Communicable disease threats report Week 19, 5-11 May 2013
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
This week, the CDTR reports on a measles outbreak in Wales. There are 1 039 cases of measles reported in the three different areas, among which 85 cases have been hospitalised. Although more than 33 000 non-routine vaccinations have been given across Wales during the outbreak. It is estimated that 43 000 people remain unvaccinated.
Between April 2012 and 9 May 2013, 33 laboratory-confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (including 18 deaths from an acute respiratory disease caused by nCov) were notified. On 8 May 2013, the first case was reported by France. In addition, three probable cases are under investigation in the country. ECDC published an epidemiological update on 7 May and is currently updating its risk assessment. Furthermore, the results of an ECDC coordinated survey on laboratory capacity for testing for the novel coronavirus in Europe were published in Eurosurveillance. ECDC is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the European Union Member States.
The CDTR also continues to report on the recent outbreak of avian influenza A(H7N9) in China. Between 2 May and 8 May 2013, three additional confirmed human cases of influenza A(H7N9) virus, and five new deaths have been reported. Since the beginning of the outbreak, 131 confirmed cases have been reported, of which 31 people have died. ECDC published an updated risk assessment on 08 May to take account of the latest developments, although the overall assessment of the risk remains unchanged.
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.
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