Communicable disease threats report, 11-17 August 2013, week 33
The ECDC communicable disease threats report is a weekly bulletin intended for epidemiologists and health professionals in the area of communicable disease prevention and control. Summarising information gathered by ECDC through its epidemic intelligence activities regarding communicable disease threats of concern to the European Union, it also provides updates on the global situation and changes in the epidemiology of communicable diseases with potential to affect Europe, including diseases that are the focus of eradication efforts.
Executive Summary
From 11 to 16 August 2013, ECDC monitored several ongoing public health threats within and outside the European Union.
West Nile fever
Until mid-August 2013, 30 human cases of West Nile fever (WNF) had been reported within the European Union and 119 cases in neighbouring countries in 2013. In the week to 15 August 2013, 12 new cases were detected in the EU. See also ECDC’s West Nile Fever report.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS CoV)
Between April 2012 and 16 August 2013, 94 laboratory-confirmed cases, including 47 deaths, of an acute respiratory disease were notified to the World Health Organization. Since 2 August 2013, no new cases of MERS CoV have been reported. A previously diagnosed 83-year-old man from the United Arab Emirates died.
Cases of the virus have originated in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, cases have occurred in Germany, the United Kingdom, Tunisia, France and Italy in patients who were either transferred for care of the disease or returned from the Middle East. The reservoir for MERS CoV has not yet been established, nor is it clear how transmission occurs.
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