Rubella is a viral infection transmitted from person to person by droplets via coughs and sneezes. In healthy individuals it is usually a mild disease. Up to 50 % of individuals infected with rubella may not show symptoms. However, if a woman gets rubella shortly before getting pregnant or during the first three months of pregnancy, it is very likely to result in miscarriage or congenital anomalies known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).
ECDC organised a meeting among invited experts to exchange cross-disciplinary perspectives on the issue of MMR vaccination refusal among the general European population.
Ebola viruses and Marburg virus are classified as biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) pathogens and require special containment and barrier protection measures, in particular for people taking care of infected patients or bodies.
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is endemic in the Balkan region and a few sporadic cases are reported on a regular basis. In the WHO European Region, Turkey remains the country that is most affected. The main vector for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, the tick Hyalomma marginatum, has a wide distribution in Europe.
ECDC convened a meeting of public health experts and successful professionals with experience in management, marketing, campaigning, behaviour change and other professional areas. The purpose of the event was to generate new ideas for promoting measles vaccination in Europe.