Dutch health authorities have recently reported an increase of hepatitis A infections particularly affecting men who have sex with men. With the on-going Pride events across Europe, ECDC stresses the importance of ensuring hepatitis A vaccination, (advice for) safer sex and personal hygiene practices including washing hands and genital areas before and after sex to avoid infection.
In 2019, the hajj will take place between 9 and 14 August. The risk for EU/EEA citizens to become infected with communicable diseases during the 2019 hajj is considered low, thanks to the vaccination requirements for travelling to Makkah (Mecca) and the Saudi Arabian preparedness plans that address the management of health hazards during and after hajj.
In 2017, 381 confirmed brucellosis cases were reported in the EU/EEA. The notification rate in the EU/EEA was 0.09 cases per 100 000 population. The highest rates were reported in southern EU Member States (Greece, Italy and Portugal). The highest rate was observed in 25–44-year-old males (0.16 per 100 000). The notification rate was stable from 2013–2017 in the EU/EEA.