An outbreak of diphtheria is currently being experienced in Yemen and Venezuela. One hundred and twenty diphtheria cases have been reported in Yemen in the last two months, while Venezuela has seen more than 500 probable cases in 2017, as detailed in today’s Communicable Disease Threat Report.
This ECDC gap analysis demonstrates that there are potentially significant gaps in diphtheria diagnostic capacity within the EU/EEA in terms of surveillance, specialised laboratory diagnostics, expertise and availability of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT). The results highlight the importance of sound surveillance systems for diphtheria and laboratory personnel training, as well as the need to ensure access to immunisation and high vaccination coverage rates.
EU case definition for diarrhoea and haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by the epidemic strain Shiga toxin 2-producing Escherichia Coli (STEC) O104:H4
Public health advice on prevention of diarrhoeal illness with special focus on Shiga toxin - producing Escherichia coli (STEC), also called verotoxin - producing E. coli (VTEC) or enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC)
Outbreak of Shiga toxin - producing Escherichia coli (STEC), also called verotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) or enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) in 2011
This toolkit aims to support infection prevention in schools, with a focus on gastrointestinal diseases, by assisting EU/EEA countries in their communication initiatives for disease prevention in school settings.