General disease information for public health experts.
In this video, representatives of the EURLs explain how they work together to strengthen laboratory capacity across Europe through quality assessments, specialist training, shared testing methods and expertise. Hear directly from the experts about their work, the importance of collaboration and how the network helps countries prepare for and respond to infectious disease threats.
Strong laboratory capacity is the backbone of Europe’s preparedness in the face of increasing communicable disease threats, said ECDC on the occasion of today’s European Laboratory Day, celebrated every year on 5 November to recognise the essential contribution of laboratory professionals across Europe.
This document provides an overview of the newly established EU Reference Laboratories for Public Health (EURLs), their core tasks and services, and the stakeholders involved, with the aim of supporting Member State laboratories in accessing and benefiting from the services available.
A guide to EU Reference Laboratories for Public Health
English (391.59 KB - PDF)
In this video, representatives from ECDC, the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) explain how the EU Referenece Laboratories for Public Health work and why cooperation matters.
Watch the presentation of the EU Reference Laboratories for Public Health recorded at ESCAIDE 2025 in Warsaw.
ECDC principles on transparency, independence and open access.
This editorial guidance on inclusive writing at ECDC provides people with an understanding of how language can contribute to stigma and uncertainty in public health.
Inclusive writing at ECDC
English (3.04 MB - PDF)
ECDC regularly assesses new evidence on variants detected through epidemic intelligence, rules-based genomic variant screening or other scientific sources.
View surveillance data in dashboards and reports for seasonal influenza.
Guidance and protocols to support seasonal influenza surveillance.
In the EU/EEA, respiratory illness activity remains at baseline or low levels. SARS-CoV-2 circulation continues to increase in several countries. Influenza and RSV activities remain low.
This report provides an overview of measles and rubella cases reported to ECDC through The European Surveillance System (TESSy).
This report provides an overview of measles and rubella cases reported to ECDC through The European Surveillance System (TESSy).
The first cycle of Public Health Emergency Preparedness Assessments (PHEPAs) coordinated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has shown a strong commitment to emergency preparedness across Europe, with a number of common challenges remaining.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory infections across the EU/EEA, representing a recurrent source of pressure on healthcare systems. The burden of disease is particularly high in older adults, people with underlying comorbidities, and young children, resulting in increased demand for hospital care, especially for paediatric admissions.
Multi-model assessment of the impact of newborn RSV immunisation on hospitalisation burden in the EU/EEA
English (979.8 KB - PDF)
As the season for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other respiratory diseases approaches, a new report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) indicates that universal immunisation of newborns against RSV could substantially reduce hospitalisations among infants linked to the disease during the winter season.
This report presents the findings and recommendations of the first assessment conducted in Norway. This involved a desk review of relevant documents, followed by a five-day country visit that took place between 3–7 February 2025.
Country report: ECDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness Assessment for Norway, 2025 - Under Article 8 of the Regulation (EU) 2022/2371
English (2.58 MB - PDF)
Following the emergence of Ebola disease in Kenya and Nigeria, and with the situation in the DRC remaining serious, ECDC is increasing its efforts to support investigations and local response by sending a team of ECDC experts to Nigeria.
ESCAIDE is Europe’s leading public health conference dedicated to sharing knowledge on infectious disease epidemiology, public health microbiology, and related scientific fields.
With cases of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus recently detected in Kenya and Nigeria, ECDC reiterates the low risk for Europe while highlighting the need for preparedness.
This Threat Assessment Brief assesses the risk for people from the EU/EEA living in or travelling to Kenya and Nigeria, and the overall risk for the general EU/EEA population. It is intended for public health authorities in the EU/EEA.
Threat Assessment Brief – Importation of Ebola disease cases caused by Bundibugyo virus to Kenya and Nigeria
English (259.9 KB - PDF)This page includes the selection committees that have been appointed for the ongoing selection procedures.
In the EU/EEA, respiratory illness activity remains at baseline or low levels, although seasonal increases are being observed. While SARS-CoV-2 circulation remains low in most countries, the overall EU/EEA picture is influenced by higher positivity in two countries. Influenza activity is low, while RSV activity remains very low.
As the colder months approach in Europe, respiratory infections including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, COVID-19, pneumococcal disease and others can lead to serious illness and increase the burden on healthcare services throughout Europe.