Targeted testing is an essential element of any strategy to eliminate viral hepatitis across the countries in the European Union and European Economic Area. Some preliminary monitoring results on the response to hepatitis B and C presented around World Hepatitis Day show that diagnosing chronic infections is still a challenge in the EU/EEA.
In 2017, 21 countries reported 4 239 cases of hantavirus infection (0.8 cases per 100 000 population). Two countries, Finland and Germany, accounted for 70.1% of all reported cases. In the absence of a licensed vaccine, prevention mainly relies on rodent control, avoidance of contact and properly cleaning and disinfecting areas contaminated by rodent excreta (urine, saliva or droppings).
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 order to maximise the benefits of treatment for HIV or viral hepatitis, it is critical to test and diagnose people as soon as possible in the course of the infection. ECDC supports this objective of European Testing Week.
In 2017, 31 273 cases of hepatitis C were reported in 29 EU/EEA Member States. Excluding countries that only reported acute cases, 31 178 cases corresponds to a crude rate of 7.3 cases per 100 000 population.