bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexually transmitted infections may assume an increasingly important role in the evolution of HIV transmission in Europe
Authors: Lowndes C M
Published: October 2017

Findings presented at the XIV International AIDS conference in Barcelona last week (7-12 July 2002) indicate that sexual transmission of HIV is assuming increasing importance in the western European context, in terms both of increased rates of reported new cases of heterosexual transmission, and of continuing transmission between men who have sex with men (MSM) (1). In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, Belgium and Denmark, relatively high and increasing proportions of new cases of heterosexual HIV transmission occur in migrants from countries with generalised HIV epidemics, where prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may also be high (2-4). In other countries, particularly those of southern Europe, there is evidence of significant ongoing heterosexual transmission from injecting drug users (IDUs) (predominantly male) to their sexual partners (5).
First case of enteritis caused by Yersinia enterocolitica serogroup O:8, biovar 1B in Germany
Authors: Bockemühl J , Brendler U , Reif Ursula , Schubert S , Heesemann J , Kiehl W
Published: October 2017

Constant vigilance is necessary to detect emerging pathogens and to find unknown reservoirs and routes of transmission, as illustrated by a severe case of enteritis in a small child reported in Germany’s surveillance bulletin (1).
Legionnaires' disease outbreak in England
Authors: Calvert N , Astbury J
Published: October 2017

The investigation and management of a large outbreak of legionnaires' disease in north west England is continuing (1). As of 7 August 2002, 70 cases had been recognized to be part of the outbreak. All cases have been in local residents except for one case in a resident of Scotland. The probable source of the outbreak was closed on 1 August.
Spread of gonorrhoea from the Barents and Baltic Sea regions to the Nordic countries?
Authors: Blystad H , Berglund T , Aavitsland P , Gundersen V R
Published: October 2017

While the incidence of gonorrhoea in the Nordic countries (the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, plus Finland and Iceland) continued to decrease in the early 1990s, the opposite was seen in neighbouring countries in the Barents and Baltic sea region. In the late 1990s the incidence of gonorrhoea increased in all of the Nordic countries. Concern was raised that this increase could be linked to the growing number of cases in the neighbouring regions, due either to people visiting these regions, or to sex workers operating in the Nordic countries. Thorough surveillance in the Nordic countries reveals that probably only a small part of this increase is related to transmission across national borders.
New chair of the Council for European State Epidemiologists for Communicable Diseases (CESE) outlines some immediate challenges
Authors: Hoile E
Published: October 2017

For almost 10 years now, there has been close cooperation between the national structures responsible for infectious disease surveillance in the European Union (EU). This work was first formalised when the heads of EU surveillance units, with support from the European Commission, produced a charter for surveillance across the EU. This group has since continued a very fruitful exchange of ideas and initiatives under the slightly misleading name of the Charter Group. In April this year, the group decided to go one step further, and to set up a more formal Council of European State Epidemiologists for Communicable Disease (CESE). Led by the outgoing chairman, Professor Pauli Leinikki of KTL, the National Public Health Institute of Finland, the CESE group has developed a Strategy for Development of Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases in the European Union 2003-2008 (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/lip/latest/doc/2002/com2002_0029en01.doc).
New programme of Community action in the field of public health (2003-2008)
Authors: Gill N
Published: October 2017

With its publication on 9 October, the decision on the EU's new programme of Community
action in the field of public health has entered into force (1). A major part of the programme
concerns communicable diseases, and there is a particular commitment to strengthen
international rapid response capacity. The decision sets out the aims for the programme,
describes the actions and support measures, and creates the conditions for the European
Commission to develop structural arrangements, such as a technical coordination centre (2),
to ensure the effectiveness and the cohesion of measures and actions.
Outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis PT 14b in the United Kingdom – second update
Authors: O’Brien S , Ward L
Published: October 2017

The cumulative total of cases of gastroenteritis infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis PT 14b (not known to be linked with foreign travel) reported to the Public Health Laboratory Service Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre in England (PHLS CDSC) by the Laboratory of Enteric Pathogens (LEP) since 26 September is now 224 (1). All the outbreak related strains examined so far have similar plasmid profile and pulsed field gel electrophoresis patterns. The dates of onset for confirmed cases reported since 26 September, where available, range from 3 September to 13 October 2002 (figure) and the epidemic curve is consistent with continuing exposure to a source of infection. There have been two deaths.
Low incidence of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in Europe
Authors: Molesworth A M , Pritchard L , Ward H
Published: October 2017

A recent article on the incidence of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in Germany shows consistently low rates of disease between 1994 and 2001, at less than one case per million inhabitants (1). CJD is a predominantly sporadic disorder, distributed worldwide with a reported incidence of about one in a million per year. Figures for Germany are in line with most other European countries (see European and Allied Countries Collaborative Study Group of CJD (EUROCJD), http://www.eurocjd.ed.ac.uk) but contrast with neighbouring Switzerland where a marked rise was observed in 2001, corresponding to an incidence of 2.7 per million that year (2, see figure). Although differences in case ascertainment and raised awareness of the disease in recent years are likely to account for regional variations in reported rates of CJD, ongoing surveillance of CJD is essential to monitor the situation to see if the pattern is sustained, both in Europe and worldwide.
Measles outbreak in Kaunas, Lithuania
Authors:   O Ivanauskiene,   N Kriauciuniene
Published: October 2017

Lithuania, with a population of 3.5 million, has had a low reported incidence of measles for the past few years (figure 1). In 2002, however, a cluster of measles cases was detected in Kaunas, Lithuania’s second largest city with a population of nearly 400 000.
Vero cytotoxigenic E. coli developments reported at 6th annual Enter-net workshop
Authors: Allison L
Published: October 2017

Recent developments and findings on Verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) were presented at the 6th annual Enter-net workshop, hosted by the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands from 7 to 9 November, 2002.
European travellers affected by the outbreak of Plasmodium vivax malaria in Northern Queensland, Australia
Authors: Lawrence J
Published: October 2017

An outbreak of Plasmodium vivax malaria at a campsite in Northern Queensland has affected 10 people including three overseas visitors (one from Ireland, one from Germany, and one from Canada). The outbreak occurred during the first two weeks of October 2002 in tourists staying at the Noah Beach campsite, which is a campsite in Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation. Park rangers have used details from self-registration forms at the campsite to compile a list of visitors to Noah Beach during the period of malaria transmission. Where contact details were available, the Tropical Public Health Unit in Queensland contacted individuals to inform them of the occurrence of malaria and offer advice. Visitors to the park have included travellers from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Italy, Israel, the Netherlands, and Sweden (Dianne Brookes (Dianne_Brookes@health.qld.gov.au), Tropical Public Health Unit, Queensland, personal communication, 12 November 2002).
Pertussis and pertussis prophylaxis in Denmark
Authors: Andersen P , Christiansen A  H , Dragsted D
Published: October 2017

In Denmark, pertussis is notifiable in children aged <2 years (the age group at which pertussis is considered potentially dangerous), when the child has clinical whooping cough which is laboratory confirmed. In 2001, there were 196 notifications in children: 95 boys and 101 girls (1). This is marginally higher than in 1999 and 2000, when there were 166 and 178 cases respectively (2, 3). In 66% of cases, the Statens Serum Institut’s department of epidemiology had to remind the clinician to submit a notification form. A total of 80 children (41%) were aged <3 months, 119 children (61%) were <5 months and 161 children (82%) were <1 year. Between three and 38 cases per month were notified, most of them in the second half of the year. The total annual incidence for children <2 years was 146 per 100 000. Most of the notified cases (72%) were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) alone, while 28% were confirmed by culture with or without positive PCR.
Possible rabies-like infection in Scotland
Authors: Crowcroft N
Published: October 2017

A man has been admitted to hospital in Scotland with an acute neurological illness that is being investigated as a suspected case of rabies (1,2). The possible diagnosis of a rabies-like illness is being considered because of some aspects of the clinical presentation and because the man is a bat handler who has been bitten by a bat in Scotland on at least one occasion within the possible incubation period for rabies. There is no documented evidence that the patient has ever received rabies immunisation or has travelled abroad since 1996. Although the clinical features of the man's illness are compatible with some aspects of rabies, none of the laboratory investigations yet indicate that a rabies-like virus is responsible. Testing for rabies and rabies-like virus is not, however, straightforward and more tests are being undertaken. The case has raised awareness of the possibility of rabies-like virus infection of bats in the United Kingdom (UK) (3).
HIV/AIDS in Europe: concern and optimism in the face of continual threat
Authors: Dougan S
Published: October 2017

The HIV/AIDS Surveillance in Europe mid-year report 2002 published by the European centre for the epidemiological monitoring of AIDS (EuroHIV, http://www.eurohiv.org) clearly illustrates that the HIV/AIDS epidemic affecting the World Health Organization European region consists of a multitude of diverse epidemics differing in time, place, person, and severity (1).
Interim guidelines for smallpox response and management published in the United Kingdom
Authors: Harling R
Published: October 2017

On 2 December 2002, the Department of Health in England published guidelines for responding to a deliberate release of smallpox (1, 2). The guidelines, which are for discussion over the next month, describe vaccination strategies prior to and in the event of an outbreak, procedures for diagnosis and management of the initial cases, and other essential outbreak preparedness and control measures.
Rabies-like infection in Scotland
Authors: Crowcroft N
Published: October 2017

A human case of European Bat Lyssavirus (EBL) 2 infection in Scotland in November was confirmed by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency in November 2002 (1). This is the first confirmed human infection of EBL 2 in the United Kingdom (UK), and the first human rabies-like infection acquired in the UK since 1902 (2).
Communicable disease tasks prominent in the first call of the Sixth Framework Research Programme (FP6)
Authors: Hoile E
Published: October 2017

The European Commission published the first round of calls for the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6, http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/) on 17 December.(1). FP6 will be the main instrument for funding of research by the European Union in Europe, and this round focuses on specific programmes 1 and 2. The three priority thematic areas of research which will be of particular interest to the communicable disease public health community are:
Glycopeptide Intermediate Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (GISA) death in Scotland
Authors: Dancer S
Published: October 2017

Laboratory tests have confirmed that a patient who died last week in a hospital in, Lanarkshire, Scotland, was infected with a Glycopeptide Intermediate Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (GISA) (1). GISA has increased resistance to first line antibiotics used for treating infections caused by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), namely, vancomycin and teicoplanin (2). This is the second report of an infection with this organism for Scotland, and possibly the first report in the United Kingdom of an associated death. (3).
Promising results from trials of vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) genital infections
Authors: Lowndes C M
Published: October 2017

In a recent issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (1,2), two American groups published the results of multicentre trials of vaccines against genital HPV and HSV-2 infection. Both these double-stranded DNA viruses are sexually transmitted and infection can result in very serious sequelae.
Applicants sought for fellowships in intervention epidemiology in Europe (the EPIET programme)
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET) started in 1995. The programme is funded by the European Commission and by various European Union (EU) member states as well as Norway and the World Health Organization (WHO). Subject to agreement for another round of funding, the ninth cohort of fellows will start in October 2003. The programme invites applications for 10 fellowships for this 24 month training programme in communicable disease field epidemiology.
Increasing laboratory confirmed cases of influenza in Europe, particularly cases of influenza B in the south west
Authors: Paget W J
Published: October 2017

Eleven networks in Europe reported no influenza activity to the European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS, http://www.eiss.org/) in the week ending 29 December 2002 (week 52). Four networks reported sporadic activity (Belgium, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland), and one network (France) reported regional activity (1). A report of no influenza activity indicates that the overall level of clinical activity was at baseline levels. In France, influenza activity was the highest in the Rhône-Alpes (south east), the Midi-Pyrénées (south west) and the Normandy (north west) regions. The intensity of clinical activity was medium in Spain and low in all of the other networks.
Avian influenza in Hong Kong
Authors: Crofts J
Published: October 2017

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD, http://www.afcd.gov.hk/) of the government of Hong Kong recently reported outbreaks of avian influenza in two chicken farms in Hong Kong (1), as well as sporadic infections in wild fowl found dead in Hong Kong (2). As a result, control measures have been implemented. These included the slaughter of around 16 000 chickens, closure and disinfection of one of the live poultry markets which had contact with the farms and the halting of imports of chickens from mainland China (3). The virus has been partially typed and found to be influenza A (H5). The virus is not the same strain of influenza A (H5N1) (4) that crossed over to humans in 1997, causing six fatalities (5). Outbreaks of avian influenza due to influenza A (H5N1) viruses occurred in poultry in Hong Kong in May 2001 and February 2002, resulting in culls of about one million chickens on each occasion. Neither of these outbreaks was associated with transmission to humans. The last reported incident of transmission of avian influenza (H9N2) to humans was in 1999 in two young children in Hong Kong and the resulting illness was reported to be mild and self limited (6).
Three cases of trichinosis in Germany, linked to Romania
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Between 15 and 18 November 2002, two women (aged 47 and 55) and one 52 year old man in Frankfurt am Main, presented with trichinosis (1). Clinical features were fever, headache, myalgia, diarrhoea, periorbital oedema, general weakness, and eosinophilia. The diagnosis in the two of them was later confirmed by serology and the third case had a clear epidemiological link.
The WHO European health for all database
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The European health for all database provides easy and rapid access to a wide range of basic health statistics (indicators) for the 51 Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region. It was developed by the WHO Regional Office for Europe in the mid 1980s to support the monitoring of health trends in the Region. The database is a helpful tool for international comparison and for assessing the health situation and trends in any European country in an international context.
Targeted mass treatment for syphilis with oral azithromycin in Vancouver, Canada
Authors: Lowndes C M , Simms I
Published: October 2017

A recent paper by Rekart and colleagues (1) presented the findings of a mass treatment intervention to eliminate an outbreak of syphilis in Vancouver, British Columbia. Following several years of very low reported infectious syphilis rates in British Columbia (less than 0.5 per 100 000 population (2), with the majority of cases acquired overseas, there was a marked increase in numbers of reported cases from mid-1997 onwards. This was largely due to a geographically localised outbreak in Vancouver’s disadvantaged downtown eastside area, with rates reaching 126 per 100 000 in this area in 1999. Sixty five percent of the 277 cases reported were among persons who had contact with a potential source of their infection in or from this area. The outbreak was spread mainly through heterosexual contact, with 42% of patients associated with the sex industry (18% sex workers and 24% clients, (2)). Only 6% of cases were in men who have sex with men (MSM). Given high HIV rates among among injection drug users (IDUs) in Vancouver, and the frequent involvement of female IDUs involved in sex work, rising syphilis incidence could facilitate the spread of HIV infection both within the disadvantaged population of Vancouver’s downtown eastside itself, as well as outwards from sex workers through clients into the general population (2).
H5N1 avian influenza virus: human cases reported in southern China
Authors: Crofts J , Paget W J , Karcher F
Published: October 2017

Two cases of confirmed influenza due to the avian influenza A H5N1 virus were reported last week in Hong Kong (1). The cases occurred in a Hong Kong family who had recently visited Fujian province in southern China. The daughter, aged 8 years, died following a respiratory illness. The cause of her death is unknown. The father and son also had respiratory illnesses; the father died and the son recovered. Both were infected with the H5N1 virus. The mother also had a respiratory illness, which is reported to have been unrelated to influenza infection. Investigations are continuing to determine where and how transmission of infection to the cases may have occurred.
Decline in the incidence of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in the UK
Authors: Andrews N , Molesworth A
Published: October 2017

By the end of December 2002 the number of cases of confirmed or probable variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) reported in the United Kingdom (UK) had reached a total of 129 (http://www.doh.gov.uk/cjd/stats/jan03.htm). Quarterly analyses are performed that estimate the underlying trend in vCJD incidence. These enable short term predictions for the expected number of deaths in the next year as well as estimates of the total number of individuals with symptom onset yet to be identified (http://www.cjd.ed.ac.uk/vcjd.htm).
Human infected with highly pathogenic avian flu (HPAI) during outbreak of avian flu in poultry farms in Holland.
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Earlier this month, an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian flu (HPAI) in several Dutch poultry farms was reported. Extensive control measures to prevent spread to unaffected poultry farms have been implemented. (1)
Expected differential impact of migration on communicable diseases across the EU
Authors:   M Lilley
Published: October 2017

Two major factors that will affect the pattern of infectious diseases in European countries over the coming decade are the intensifying HIV pandemic (1) and the substantial changes in migration from Sub-Saharan Africa (2). Although migrants and asylum seekers tend to have a better health profile than the rest of the population in their country of origin, their prevalence of current HIV infections and past Tuberculosis and hepatitis B infections will pose a challenge to the prevention and health care systems of host countries. Examination of the latest migration statistics illustrates the differential impact that can be expected between the various countries of the EU.
Seventh WHO annual report on global TB control
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

To mark world TB day, 24 March 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) has published the seventh annual report on global tuberculosis (TB) control. This report aims to share information from national TB control programmes, and includes data on case notifications and treatment outcomes. It also provides analysis of plans, finances and constraints on DOTS (directly observed treatment-short course) expansion for the 22 high burden countries in order to assess progress toward global targets for case detection (70%) and treatment success (85%).
Ischaemic events and myopericarditis after smallpox vaccination
Authors: Auckland C
Published: October 2017

Fourteen cases of acute myopericarditis and one fatal case of acute myocardial infarction among approximately 350 000 primary smallpox vaccinees have been reported in the military vaccination programme in the United States. Four cases of myopericarditis and 6 acute ischaemic episodes, including 2 deaths following acute myocardial infarction, have also been reported from the civilian smallpox vaccination programme (among 29 600 vaccinees) (1, 2).
European Union Communicable Disease Network Committee issues document on immediate actions for surveillance and control of SARS in Europe - 15 April
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The Committee of the European Union Network for the Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases met on 9 and 10 April 2003 and agreed the following actions for European Union (EU) member states and the European Commission for the surveillance and control of SARS in Europe. These actions are based on the present situation and current knowledge, and are liable to change. The statement does not preclude the possibility that member states may take additional measures.
Monkey experiments provide confirmation that a novel coronavirus is the cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally announced that a member of the coronavirus family never before seen in humans, named by WHO and its SARS laboratory network as the SARS virus, is the cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) (1). An expert meeting in Geneva, attended by representatives from the SARS laboratory network, reviewed the data available on SARS, and considered the imminent strategy for development of a diagnostic test for SARS.
Avian influenza spreads to Germany
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

Cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H7 in birds have been confirmed in Schwalmtal, a town near the Dutch border in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany (1). The section of virus sequenced corresponds to that of the virus causing the outbreak in the Netherlands. Avian cases in this outbreak have so far been reported from the Netherlands (2), Belgium (3), and Germany (figure). Human cases reported have been in the Netherlands and Belgium (2, 3, 4).
First global consultation on SARS, 16-17 May
Authors: Horby P
Published: October 2017

The first global consultation on the epidemiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) took place in Geneva on 16 and 17 May (http://www.who.int/csr/sars/archive/2003_05_17/en/). The purpose of the meeting was to ensure that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations are based on the best available scientific evidence and to review the available epidemiological information in the context of its relevance to effective public health practice. Sixteen countries, including all those most affected by SARS, were represented either in person, by video link, or by telephone. A number of experts in the mathematical modelling of infectious diseases were also present.
Intergovernmental working group to take forward revision of the International Health Regulations
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The 56th World Health Assembly, which convened 19-28 May 2003, has decided to establish and intergovernmental working group open to all member states to review and recommend a draft revision of the International Health Regulations (1, 2).
Weekly reports from EU rapid alert system for food and feed now online
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The European Commission’s commissioner for health and consumer protection this week announced the publication of weekly reports from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) online at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/sfp/ras_index_en.html.
Outbreak of monkeypox in persons exposed to pet prairie dogs in the United States
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Cases of febrile rash illness in persons who had direct or close contact with recently purchased ill prairie dogs have been reported in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana...
Syphilis outbreak in Norway and Sweden among men who have sex with men 1998-2002
Authors: Blystad H , Nilsen O , Berglund T , Blaxhult A , Aavitsland P , Giesecke J
Published: October 2017

The incidence of infectious syphilis in both Norway (4.5 million inhabitants) and Sweden (8.8 million) fell to an all time low in the mid 1990s.
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy agents: safe working and the prevention of infection. Guidance from the UK Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens and the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee
Authors: Oakley K
Published: October 2017

Revised guidelines have been issued in the United Kingdom...
Implementation of E.coli task force recommendations in Scotland
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Following the report of the Escherichia coli task force in Scotland in 2001...
Outbreak of multidrug resistant Salmonella Newport due to the consumption of horsemeat in France
Authors: Espié E , Weill F  X
Published: October 2017

From May to June 2003, a total of 14 human cases of multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Newport
Outbreak of Salmonella Bareilly in the United Kingdom: update
Authors: O'Brien S , Cowden J , Coia J E , Ward L
Published: October 2017

The cumulative total of cases of Salmonella Bareilly in England and Wales since 1 August 2003 has risen to 108
Outbreak of Salmonella Bareilly infection in Great Britain - results from the case-control study
Authors: Cowden J M , O'Brien S , Adak G K , Gillespie I A , Coia J E , Ward L. R.
Published: October 2017

The previously reported outbreak of Salmonella Bareilly infection affecting Great Britain (Scotland, England and Wales) is now over
Cluster of typhoid fever cases links to a sandwich shop in Paris: the situation on 5 November
Authors: de Valk H , Thiolet J  M , Weill F  X , Cosson C , Salamanca Dominique , Vaillant V
Published: October 2017

Five cases of typhoid fever were reported in France during October 2003
Research opportunity in the fields of antimicrobial resistance, surveillance, and biosecurity: call for proposals
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The European Commission last month published a further call for proposals for Priority 8, Policy oriented research of the Sixth Framework Programme
Regulatory review of the European Commission on the safety of tattoos, body piercing and related practices
Authors: Noah N
Published: October 2017

With the increasing popularity of body adornment and piercing, regulations to ensure the safety of such practices are welcome.
HIV and other STIs in the United Kingdom: further increases
Authors:   A Brown,   K Sadler
Published: October 2017

The Health Protection Agency Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre for England and Wales and others have reported that the number of people living with HIV in the UK has increased
Consequences of failure to use malaria prophylaxis in the Gambia: an example from the United Kingdom
Authors: Bradley D , Lawrence J , Hart E
Published: October 2017

A cluster of malaria cases has been reported in United Kingdom (UK) travellers who have recently returned from a holiday in the Gambia.
Applicants sought for training fellowships in intervention epidemiology in Europe (the EPIET programme)
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET) started in 1995. The programme is funded by the European Commission and by various EU member states as well as WHO and Norway.
Cluster of legionnaires’ disease cases in northern France, the situation on 17 December 2003
Authors: Campese C , Che D
Published: October 2017

An outbreak involving twenty four cases of legionnaires’ disease has been reported/notified in northern France (the Nord Pas de Calais) since 28 November 2003.
New EU ‘zoonoses package’ of legislation to combat foodborne diseases published in EU Official Journal
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The two new European Union laws on monitoring zoonotic agents came into force at the end of 2003
New UK guidance on post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV
Authors:   J Aston,   S Tomkins,   F Ncube
Published: October 2017

The United Kingdom (UK) Expert Advisory Group on AIDS (EAGA) has recently published revised guidelines on the use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV following occupational exposure
Combating resistance to antimicrobials by broadening the knowledge on the molecular mechanisms behind resistance to inhibitor of cell wall synthesis: the ‘COBRA’ project
Authors:   L Gutmann
Published: October 2017

A new project focusing on combating antimicrobial resistance (COBRA) started on 2 February 2004 led by the antibiotic molecular research laboratory at the Université de Paris.
Update: 13 February. Key documents on the avian influenza outbreak released by the World Health Organisation on 12 February.
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Key documents on the avian flu outbreak in poultry and humans in Southeast Asia were published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 12 February 2004.
New report on HIV in eastern Europe and central Asia advocates strong measures to reverse the increasing prevalence
Authors: Dougan S
Published: October 2017

Estimates of the numbers of people living with HIV/AIDS in central and eastern Europe and the Central Independent States (CIS) at the end of 2003 run as high as 1.8 million.
‘Wake-up call’ to Europe at high level ministerial meeting in Dublin to discuss HIV/AIDS threat
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

A ministerial conference to discuss the problem of HIV/AIDS in Europe and Central Asia took place in Dublin on 23 and 24 February. At the conference, delegates from 55 countries agreed to formally adopt the Dublin Declaration on Partnership to fight HIV/AIDS
Case report: fatal course of endocarditis following an infection with non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae biotype var mitis
Authors: Holfelder M , Bock-Hensley O , Lisson C , Funke G
Published: October 2017

Corynebacteria are commonly found on human skin and mucous membranes. Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the most important infective agent of this genus.
World TB Day 2004 and current TB perspectives in Europe: an update from EuroTB
Authors: Falzon D , Infuso A
Published: October 2017

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of illness in the world and the second most common cause of death from infectious disease
Antimicrobial use and resistance in Denmark: a synopsis of the DANMAP 2002 Report
Authors: Muscat M , Müller-Pebody B , Monnet D , Frimodt-Møller N
Published: October 2017

The Danish Integrated Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring and Research Programme (DANMAP) has published its annual report
ESCMID sets its agenda for meeting the European challenges in clinical microbiology
Authors: Schoch Peter
Published: October 2017

A workshop organised by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases to review European preparedness to respond to the threats of spreading antimicrobial resistance, bioterrorism and emerging infections, recently took place in Belgium.
Death of a child from rabies in Lithuania and update on the Lithuanian rabies situation
Authors: Razmuviene Daiva
Published: October 2017

In March 2004, a five year old boy died from rabies in Lithuania. The boy originated from the district of Prienai (southern Lithuania) but had lived in the city of Alytus, also in the south of the country, since November 2003. On 21 February he fell ill with chills
Travel associated illness in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: report calls for improved surveillance systems
Authors: Lawrence J , Jones J
Published: October 2017

Global travel movements have increased to a degree unimaginable a few decades ago, and, in common with other European countries, United Kingdom (UK) residents are travelling abroad more often, frequently to tropical destinations
Tetanus in an injecting drug user in the Netherlands: single case so far
Authors: Vermeer-de Bondt P , Vos L P
Published: October 2017

In March 2004, a 61 year old female intravenous drug user (IDU) was taken to hospital because she was found unwell at home. She was a long-term drug user who reportedly injected heroin intramuscularly.
Communicable disease surveillance, prevention and control in Lithuania
Authors: Rokaite Dalia , Kupreviciene N
Published: October 2017

The Lithuanian Centre for Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control (CCDPC, Užkreciamuju ligu profilaktikos ir kontroles centras) in Vilnius was established in 1997 after the reorganisation of the State Immunisation Centre and the Department of Communicable Diseases at the State Public Health Centre
Measles outbreak in Norway in children adopted from China
Authors: Løvoll Ø , Vainio K , Skutlaberg Dag  Harald
Published: October 2017

Of a group of eight adoptees from China who came to Norway at the end of March 2004, four children developed a rash
Increase in hepatitis A in MSM in Denmark
Authors: Mølbak K
Published: October 2017

A review of notifications to the Department of Epidemiology in the Statens Serum Institut has revealed a cluster of cases of hepatitis A acquired in Denmark among men aged 18 years or older.
Outbreak of influenza A(H1N1) in a school in southern England
Authors: Goddard N L , Paynter S , Paget W J
Published: October 2017

An outbreak of influenza A (subtype H1N1) has occurred in a primary school in West Sussex, southern England
Communicable disease surveillance, prevention and control in Slovenia
Authors: Klavs I , Hocevar-Grom A , Socan M , Grgic-Vitek M , Pahor L , Kraigher A
Published: October 2017

National communicable disease surveillance, prevention and control in Slovenia is coordinated by the Communicable Diseases Centre of the Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia
European network for surveillance of STIs (ESSTI) establishes working groups on lymphogranuloma venereum and HIV/STI prevention among MSM
Authors: Von Holstein I , Fenton K. A. , Ison C
Published: October 2017

The European Surveillance of Sexually Transmitted Infections network, at its third collaborative group meeting in May 2004, established two working groups to facilitate information exchange on lymphogranuloma venereum
Investigation of the decontamination arrangements for endoscopes in Northern Ireland
Authors: Doherty L , Mitchell E , Smyth B
Published: October 2017

At the beginning of June 2004, a hospital in Northern Ireland announced that the arrangements for cleaning and disinfecting one of their endoscopes were not fully in accordance with necessary standards
Oral cholera vaccine given marketing authorisation in European Union
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

At the end of April 2004, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA, http://www.emea.eu.int) issued a marketing authorisation (comparable to a product licence) applicable to all European Union countries for the oral cholera vaccine Dukoral, produced by Chiron Vaccines Evans.
Four cases of lymphogranuloma venereum in Hamburg, 2003
Authors: Plettenberg Andreas , von Krosigk A , Stoehr Albrecht , Meyer T
Published: October 2017

In the course of 2003, four men were diagnosed with lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) at the Hamburg Institut für interdiziplinäre Infektiologie und Immunologie. All were men who have sex with men (MSM).
Outbreak of hepatitis A in Flemish Belgium, July-August 2004
Authors:   K de Schrijver,   E Robesyn,   G Top,   G Hanquet
Published: October 2017

In July 2004, the health inspectorate of the Flemish community observed a sharp increase in reports of cases of hepatitis A
Community outbreak of legionnaires’ disease related to hospital cooling towers in Zaragoza, Spain, May-June 2004
Authors:   Juan Pablo Alonso Pérez de Ágreda
Published: October 2017

At least 27 confirmed and 3 probable cases of legionnaires’ disease have been so far linked to a community outbreak in the city of Zaragoza in Spain
Gastrointestinal infections acquired abroad, Scotland 2003-4
Authors:   A Smith-Palmer
Published: October 2017

During 2003, information on 45 outbreaks of gastrointestinal infections in people returning to Scotland from abroad was circulated by the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health
Polio vaccination in Europe: the shift from OPV to IPV use
Authors:   R Pebody
Published: October 2017

The United Kingdom National Health Service recently announced changes to the national childhood immunisation programme with a shift from the use of live oral polio vaccine to inactivated polio vaccine
Cases of travel-associated hepatitis A in Germany: international alert
Authors: Frank C , Stark K
Published: October 2017

An outbreak of hepatitis A has been detected among tourists returning to Germany from holidays in Egypt. The patients stayed at a particular hotel by the Red Sea.
Salmonellosis outbreak on a cruise ship travelling from Germany around the UK
Authors:   N Macdonald,   J Cowden
Published: October 2017

An outbreak of gastrointestinal disease on board a cruise ship sailing around Britain is currently being investigated. The MV Mona Lisa left Bremerhaven, northern Germany, on 28 August carrying 940 people
Hepatitis A in tourists who stayed at an Egyptian hotel: update
Authors:   C Frank,   K Stark
Published: October 2017

As of the 8 September, 219 cases of hepatitis A have been reported in German tourists who stayed at a particular hotel on the Red Sea in Egypt, from mid-June to mid-August.
Three cases of legionnaires' disease associated with a contaminated warm water system at a campsite in Austria, June 2004
Authors:   R Strauss,   K Fillafer,   E Grund,   D Schmid,   J Stirling,   C Bruns,   G Wewalka,   H Hrabcik
Published: October 2017

Two laboratory confirmed cases of legionnaires' disease (L. pneumophilia serogroup 1) were reported on 1 July 2004 to the Austrian General Directorate for Public Health, Federal Ministry for Health and Women. Both cases were in guests at a campsite in Klagenfurt
Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and plasma products: implementation of public health precautions in the UK
Authors: Molesworth A M , Janecek H , Gill N , Connor N
Published: October 2017

The CJD Incidents Panel, a United Kingdom expert committee set up to advise on the management of ‘incidents’ of potential transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) between patients, has issued recommendations
Enhanced surveillance of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) begins in England
Authors: Simms I , Macdonald N , Ison C , Alexander S , Lowndes C M , Fenton K. A. ,   I Martin
Published: October 2017

Enhanced surveillance of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) in England was started on 4 October 2004 by the Health Protection Agency. This was in response to reports of increases in cases of proctitis seen at several genitourinary medicine clinics
First influenza virus detections in Europe: 2004-2005 season, European Influenza Surveillance Scheme
Authors: Paget W J , Meijer A , Hungnes O
Published: October 2017

Active surveillance of influenza in Europe by EISS started in week 40 of 2004
Outbreaks of infectious syphilis and other STIs in men who have sex with men in Barcelona, 2002-3
Authors: Vall Mayans M , Sanz Colomo Benicio , Armengol P , Loureiro E
Published: October 2017

In recent years, rising incidence of sexually transmitted infections, including several outbreaks of infectious syphilis cases, have been reported in major European cities. Around 80% of the cases of infectious syphilis in these outbreaks were diagnosed in men who have sex with men (MSM) engaging in high risk behaviour
Introducing universal hepatitis B vaccination in Europe: differences still remain between countries
Authors:   P van Damme,   K van Herck,   E Leuridan,   A Vorsters
Published: October 2017

Much progress has been made since hepatitis B vaccine became available two decades ago. An increasing number of countries now meet the recommendations of the World Health Assembly which called, in 1992, for the inclusion of hepatitis B immunisation in national vaccination programmes
Analysis of EISS database reveals possible west-east spread of influenza across Europe
Authors:   J Paget,   T Meerhoff,   A Meijer,   K van der Veiden
Published: October 2017

An analysis of data collected by the European Influenza Surveillance Scheme during the past five winters (1999-2004) reveals a possible west-east spread of influenza across Europe
Recent increase in meningococcal deaths in Scotland prompts call for vigilance
Authors:   J McMenamin,   J Mooney
Published: October 2017

Clinicians and the public in Scotland have been advised to be alert to cases of meningococal disease this winter, after a recent increase in cases was detected. This was the message from Health Protection Scotland
A cluster of leptospirosis cases in canoeists on a Dublin river
Authors:   M O’ Meara,   M Fitzgerald
Published: October 2017

On 19 November 2004, a case of leptospirosis (leptospira IgM positive) in an 18 year old man was notified to the Department of Public Health, Eastern Regional Health Authority by the microbiology department of a Dublin teaching hospital
Increase in cases of legionellosis in Italy maintained in 2003
Authors: Rota M C , Ricci M L , Caporali M R , Salmaso S
Published: October 2017

In Italy in 2003, 617 cases of legionellosis were reported to the national surveillance system, maintaining the recent increase seen first in 2002. The characteristics of the patients were very similar to those reported in 2002
Indirect community protection against influenza by vaccinating children: a review of two recent studies from Italy and the United States
Authors: Olowokure B ,   R Jordan
Published: October 2017

A secondary effect of influenza in childhood is the impact - medical, social and economic - on the family. Two recently published studies have considered how the vaccination of children against influenza may help control the spread of influenza through indirect protection of susceptible persons.
Increase in mumps in Ireland in late 2004
Authors: Di Renzi M ,   S Jackson,   S Gee,   S Cotter
Published: October 2017

Up to December 2004 (weeks 1-48 inclusive), 284 mumps cases were notified to the Irish National Disease Surveillance Centre. This is the greatest number of notifications since 1997 when 285 cases were reported
World Health Organization develops guidance for vaccine safety information on the web
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety was established in 1999 to respond promptly, efficiently, and with scientific rigour to vaccine safety issues of potential global importance. In 2003, GACVS launched the Vaccine Safety Net project.
Multidrug resistant HIV and rapid progression of disease reported from New York
Authors: Pillay D , Parry J
Published: October 2017

A single case of infection with a highly drug-resistant strain of HIV that progressed rapidly has been diagnosed in a New York City resident who had not previously undergone antiviral drug treatment
Atypical presentation of avian influenza in Vietnam, February 2004
Authors: Van-Tam J , Watson J
Published: October 2017

A recently published report describes the case of a 4 year old boy who presented with fever, headache, vomiting and severe diarrhoea, followed by seizures and coma (gastroenteritis and encephalitis) in Vietnam in February 2004
Results of survey of national influenza pandemic preparedness in Europe
Authors: Ciotti M , Karcher F , Ganter B , Tüll P
Published: October 2017

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Commission are currently working together to improve influenza preparedness in the European Region.
Two cases of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) in homosexual men in Stockholm
Authors: Berglund T , Bratt G , Herrmann B , Karlsson A , Löfdahl M , Payne L
Published: October 2017

Two cases of the sexually transmitted infection lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) were detected in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Sweden during 2004
E-alert 9 March: Nationwide outbreak of Salmonella enterica serotype Agona infections in infants in France, linked to infant milk formula, investigations ongoing
Authors: Espié E , Weill F  X , Brouard C , Capek I , Delmas G , Forgues A M , Grimont F , de Valk H
Published: October 2017

In January and February 2005, the Centre National de Référence des Salmonelles (French National Reference Centre for Salmonella, NRC-Salm), noted an increase in isolates of Salmonella Agona. As of 4 March, 32 isolates have been reported
Occupationally acquired HIV: international reports to December 2002
Authors: Tomkins S , Ncube F
Published: October 2017

A report collating both ‘definite’ and ‘possible’* HIV seroconversion cases occurring in healthcare workers worldwide, following occupational exposures that have been notified, or published in the literature, has recently been published
Avian influenza – update on recent situation in South East Asia
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

Laboratory confirmation of 24 cases of human infection with the A:H5N1 avian influenza virus have been reported in Vietnam since the end of December 2004, when a further upsurge in cases was reported after a lull in the Autumn of 2004
World Stop TB Day 2005: tuberculosis care providers and monitoring of treatment outcome in Europe
Authors: Infuso A , Falzon D
Published: October 2017

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major global disease threat. Each year, there are over 8 million estimated cases and over 2 million deaths. In the World Health Organization European Region in 2003, 416 085 TB cases were reported.
ECDC now recruiting for eleven senior positions
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has begun to recruit its scientific and administrative staff. Eleven temporary and auxiliary positions are currently offered.