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 2017, 30 EU/EEA Member States reported 26 907 cases of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Excluding the five countries that only reported acute cases, the number of cases, 26 262, corresponds to a crude rate of 6.7 cases per 100 000 population.
In 2017, the majority (58%) of the almost 27 000 newly reported hepatitis B cases in the European Union and European Economic Area were classified as chronic infections. This follows a consistent upward trend in reported chronic hepatitis B cases since 2008.
The ECDC Communicable Disease Threats Report (CDTR) is a weekly bulletin for epidemiologists and health professionals on active public health threats. This issue covers the period from 19-25 May 2019 and includes updates on rat hepatitis B, dengue, Ebola virus disease, influenza, Legionnaires' disease and P. vivax malaria.