An unusual early start and high number of locally acquired West Nile virus infections has been observed this year. ECDC assesses the epidemiological situation and the public health risk to the EU, in a rapid risk assessment published today.
Vector sampling protocols outlining the recommended methods for collecting vectors have been issued today by ECDC and EFSA, to support entomologists and public-health professionals in Europe. It is a first attempt to summarise best-practices in terms of methods and strategies for sampling mosquitoes, sandflies, biting midges and ticks.
Ebola cases in urban areas in the Equateur province in DRC increase the risk of spread to neighbouring countries, the risk of introduction to the EU is very low, states ECDC risk assessment published today.
Since the beginning of 2018 and as of 14 May, 2 980 autochthonous cases of dengue have been reported in Réunion. The main areas affected are in the western part of the island. The most prevalent serotype among dengue cases is DENV-2 and the main vector implicated in the outbreak is Aedes albopictus.
During the 2017 transmission season, 204 human cases and 127 equine cases were reported in the European Union. This year, for the first time, ECDC included equine West Nile fever cases in its epidemiological updates.
ECDC issues new risk assessment in light of the yellow fever resurgence in Brazil (in particular in São Paulo) and the expected increasing flow of travellers during the upcoming Carnival.
From July to October 2017 the Brazilian authorities reported three confirmed human cases of yellow fever - one in Rio de Janeiro and two in São Paulo State. One person died. In addition, several animal cases were detected in the urban area of São Paulo City. The national health authorities have started a vaccination campaign in São Paulo State.