This issue of the ECDC Communicable Disease Threats Report (CDTR) covers the period 28 April - 4 May 2024 and includes updates on cholera, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, an overview of respiratory virus epidemiology in the EU/EEA, highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in cattle and a related human case, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, and Lassa fever.
European Immunization Week (EIW) is marked across Europe every year in the final week of April. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of immunisation for the general health and well-being of the European and wider population.
In connection with the European Immunization Week, ECDC releases data indicating an increase in cases of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and pertussis, after decreased levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022, 1 149 confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), including 110 deaths, were reported in 30 European Union/European Economic Area Member States.
Arenaviruses are a type of small virus commonly found in rodents. When a person becomes infected with an arenavirus, symptoms usually begin within 10 days.
Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium with human carriers as the only reservoir. It is carried in the nose, where it can remain for long periods without producing symptoms.
Mumps is a viral infection first described by Hippocrates that in its classical form causes acute parotitis and, less frequently, orchitis, meningitis and pneumonia.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is an obligate human pathogen and an important cause of invasive bacterial infections in both children and adults, with the highest incidence among young children.