Publication
ECDC Forward Look Risk Assessment: Seasonal influenza 2010–2011 in Europe
The 2010/11 seasonal influenza epidemics in Europe are dominated so far by the A(H1N1)2009 viruses which emerged in the 2009 pandemic, although these are now considered seasonal viruses. This is an interim risk assessment and will be up-dated at intervals as more data and analyses emerge.
News
Speaking note: Season flu, “bird flu” and pandemic flu: what are the threats?
Speaking note: Season flu, “bird flu” and pandemic flu: what are the threats
Publication
ECDC Forward look risk assessment (Update 28 October 2010): Likely scenarios and uncertainties in the 2010/2011 influenza season in Europe and beyond
Likely scenarios and uncertainties in the 2010/2011 influenza season in Europe and beyond.
Publication
ECDC rapid risk assessment: Reassortment seasonal influenza virus and swine influenza virus
New strain of swine influenza identified in two workers on a pig farm in Canada. Swine influenza (SI) is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract in pigs. Subclinical infections are also common. The mortality is low and recovery usually occurs within 7-10 days.
Publication
Risk assessment: Seasonal influenza 2011–2012 in Europe (EU/EEA countries)
ECDC produces an annual risk assessment for the seasonal influenza epidemics in Europe. This is following both a recommendation in the report on the handling of the 2009 pandemic adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 2011 and the model developed by ECDC during that pandemic. The first EU seasonal influenza risk assessment was published in January 2011, following the start of the influenza season in late November 2010. In 2012, the season started later than in most years, with the first five countries exceeding their epidemic threshold in week 3/2012.
Publication
Risk assessment: seasonal influenza 2011-2012 in Europe
The virological influenza pattern observed was not consistent enough to make a clear prediction for the 2011-2012 season in Europe. In general, the findings on the impact of influenza in the southern hemisphere in 2011 were reassuring for Europe, and the match of the A(H3N2) viruses with the vaccine was considered good.
Data
Assessment tool for influenza pandemic preparedness in European countries
The tool is used for ongoing country support visits by joint missions from ECDC, the European Commission, and WHO EURO. The tool follows the main components of the European Commission communication on pandemic influenza preparedness and response planning in the European Community, the WHO global influenza preparedness plan, the WHO checklist for influenza pandemic preparedness planning, and existing country preparedness plans.
Data
Suggested ‘Acid Tests’ for helping assess, stregthen local preparedness for moderate or severe pandemics
The idea of these acid tests is that those responsible for local services can use them to assess whether the can deliver what is expected of them in a crisis. They should be applied along with planning assumptions of 20-30% of staff being off sick for short periods (2 to 3 weeks) just when numbers of people seeking or requiring care increases considerably.
Data
ECDC Pandemic Preparedness Self Assessment Indicators
This is part of the pandemic preparedness assessment tool for Europe, developed by the Unit for Preparedness and Response at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in Stockholm, in collaboration with the European Commission and the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe.
Data
ECDC model for national pandemic preparedness
ECDC presentational tool to visualise the multi-dimensional aspects needed to ensure adequate preparedness for a pandemic (September 2008). This tool highlights aspects that national authorities need to consider in order to move towards full preparedness across in three crucial dimensions: from plans through practise (exercises) to preparedness; from national level planning to operational planning for local and front line staff; and from health sector to multisectoral approach.