Due to its propensity to cause outbreaks and its antifungal resistance, C. auris poses a risk for patients in healthcare facilities in Europe. Difficulties with laboratory identification, combined with a lack of awareness of this new Candida species, might result in unnoticed outbreaks. There is a clear need to raise awareness in European healthcare facilities in order adapt laboratory testing strategies and implement enhanced control measures to prevent further hospital outbreaks.
In view of new evidence, ECDC has updated its rapid risk assessment on the potential risk of invasive cardiovascular infection by M. chimaera associated with the use of heater-cooler units.
ECDC conducted a systematic review of the literature published between 2005–2015, with the aim to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C in the general population and specific population subgroups in the EU/EEA Member States. This review is an update of an earlier review covering the period 2000–2009.
Illnesses caused by infectious diseases are common in children in schools or other childcare settings. Currently there is no common EU approach to the control of communicable diseases in schools or other childcare settings, and existing information is uncertain.
This rapid risk assessment provides several options to reduce the risk of CRE, e.g. treatment options, transmission prevention and measures related to the healthcare system.
This rapid risk assessment describes the epidemiological situation of diphtheria surrounding this case of toxigenic respiratory diphtheria reported in Belgium.
This rapid risk assessment concludes that there is currently no indication that these cases represent a significant outbreak of diphtheria among refugees in Europe.