Communicable disease threats report, 4-10 December 2016, week 49
The ECDC Communicable Disease Threats Report (CDTR) is a weekly bulletin for epidemiologists and health professionals on active public health threats. This issue covers the period 4 - 10 December 2016 and includes updates on Zika virus and influenza.
Executive Summary
During week 49, from 2 to 8 December, ECDC monitored several communicable disease outbreaks that may pose a threat in EU countries.
As of 2 December 2012, 1 993 cases of dengue fever have been reported from the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Between 25 November and 2 December, 102 cases were reported; 54% less than the previous week. Fifty-two cases of dengue have been reported among European travellers returning from the region to their home countries since the start of the outbreak. Additional cases among travellers are not unexpected, as the peak of the tourist season on the island is during the Christmas period.
The CDTR for week 49 also includes information about the novel coronavirus, temporarily named hCoV-EMC. Since April 2012, nine patients who presented symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Cases have occurred in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan. There have been five associated deaths. ECDC published an update of its rapid risk assessment on 07 December and is coordinating with relevant stakeholders regarding the detection, laboratory diagnosis and management of cases should the threat evolve to affect EU citizens.
