Prevalence data from sources such as population surveys can be a useful complement to case based surveillance data for hepatitis B. Case-based surveillance has limitations as most diagnosed cases are chronic in nature and detection of cases depends largely on testing practices. Prevalence data can therefore contribute towards a fuller understanding of the epidemiology of hepatitis B.
This issue of the ECDC Communicable Disease Threats Report (CDTR) covers the period 19-25 March 2023 and includes updates on Marburg virus disease, iatrogenic botulism, COVID-19, Influenza, Group A streptococcal infection, cholera, poliomyelitis, measles, and extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. The most common hepatitis viruses in Europe are types A, B, and C (commonly referred to as HAV, HBV and HCV).