Varicella is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which also causes shingles (herpes zoster). The virus typically affects children aged 2‒8 years.
Rotaviruses are the single most important cause of severe diarrhoeal illness in infants and young children worldwide. By the age of five years most children irrespective of socioeconomic setting will have been infected at least once. While infected, many children will be in need of medical attention due to extensive fluid loss.
Immediate health needs following earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria are mostly related to trauma and the disruption of healthcare, however, infectious disease threats may be concerning in the following two to four weeks.
ECDC has published an Expert Opinion on rotavirus vaccination in infancy. The paper provides EU/EEA Member States with relevant scientific information on burden of rotavirus disease, vaccine effectiveness and safety, and cost-effectiveness studies to support the decision-making process on the possible introduction of routine vaccination of children against rotavirus gastroenteritis.