Measles outbreaks continue to occur in a number of EU/EEA countries, and there is a risk of spread and sustained transmission in areas with susceptible populations. Since the beginning of 2016, 48 deaths due to measles were reported in the EU.
Measles outbreaks continue to occur in a number of EU/EEA countries, and there is a risk of spread and sustained transmission in areas with susceptible populations. New data published today by ECDC in the Communicable Disease Threat Report (CDTR) show that from January 2016 to November 2017, more than 19 000 measles cases were reported in the EU, including 46 deaths. The CDTR also shows that the highest number of cases in 2017 were reported in Romania (7 759), Italy (4 775) and Germany (898). Greece is currently experiencing a measles outbreak, with 368 cases, and one death, reported since May 2017. The spread of measles across Europe is due to suboptimal vaccination coverage in many EU/EEA countries. ECDC is also publishing today the monthly measles and rubella surveillance monitoring report, that provides more in-depth analysis of the situation.
World Hepatitis Day is marked on 28 July each year to increase the awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis. The five known hepatitis viruses are types A, B, C, D and E
Hepatitis B is a liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is spread through contact with infected body fluids or blood products. Following acute infection with HBV, some people go on to develop a chronic infection.