The risk assessed in this update is as follows: based on current levels of vaccination coverage and the dominance of the Delta variant in the EU/EEA, what risk does SARS-CoV-2 pose to the general population and the vulnerable population in the coming months?
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreaks in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries have caused significant morbidity and mortality since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Between 15 March and 6 July 2021, 348 confirmed S. Braenderup sequence type 22 (ST22) cases were reported in 12 European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries and the United Kingdom (UK).
Rapid risk/outbreaks assessment aim at supporting the countries and the European Commission in their preparedness and response to a public health threat. They provide a timely summary and risk assessment of a public health threat for EU/EEA countries related to a specific event. They also include potential options for response. As outbreaks or public health events develop, ECDC may issue updated risk assessments.
The aim of this threat assessment brief is to assess potential public health implications of the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta (B.1.617.2) variant of concern for the EU/EEA.
The aim of this Threat Assessment Brief is to assess potential public health implications of B.1.617 variants for EU/EEA countries, with a focus on lineage B.1.617.2.
On 24 May, ECDC upgraded B.1.617.2 to a variant of concern, after new information became available on increased transmissibility and some impact on vaccine effectiveness, especially after one vaccine dose. The suggestions highlighted in the Threat Assessment Brief regarding options for response remain valid, particularly vaccination rollout as a high priority to reduce COVID-19 mortality by vaccinating those at risk of severe illness in the shortest time possible.
Between May 2018 and December 2020, 193 human cases of Salmonella Enteritidis sequence type (ST)11 were reported in Denmark (2), Finland (4), France (33), Germany (6), Ireland (12), the Netherlands (3), Poland (5), Sweden (6), and the United Kingdom (UK) (122). One in five cases was hospitalised. One death was reported. Fifty percent of the cases were children ≤ 18 years. The most recent case was reported by the UK in December 2020.
This Threat Assessment Brief considers the risk of infection related to avian influenza A(H5N8) virus to the general population and the occupationally exposed.
This risk assessment provides an overall update on the COVID-19 situation in the EU/EEA, including latest data on the situation with SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern covered by previous targeted risk assessments.