European Immunization Week (EIW) is marked across Europe every year in the final week of April. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of immunisation for the general health and well-being of the European and wider population.
In connection with the European Immunization Week, ECDC releases data indicating an increase in cases of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and pertussis, after decreased levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022, 1 149 confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), including 110 deaths, were reported in 30 European Union/European Economic Area Member States.
ECDC’s annual surveillance reports provide a wealth of epidemiological data to support decision-making at the national level. They are mainly intended for public health professionals and policymakers involved in disease prevention and control programmes.
Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium with human carriers as the only reservoir. It is carried in the nose, where it can remain for long periods without producing symptoms.
This issue of the ECDC Communicable Disease Threats Report (CDTR) covers the period 22-28 October 2023 and includes updates on poliomyelitis, SARS-CoV-2, West Nile virus, the Rugby World Cup 2023, and cryptosporidiosis cases.