bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type and quantity of data needed for an early estimate of transmissibility when an infectious disease emerges
Authors: Becker N G , Wang D , Clements M
Published: March 2021

An early estimate of disease transmissibility is essential for a well-informed public health response to a newly emerged infectious disease. In this study, we ask what type and quantity of data are needed for useful estimation of the initial reproduction number (R). It is possible to estimate R from case incidence data alone when the growing incidence of cases displays a wave pattern, because the pattern provides information about the serial interval (the time elapsed between the onset of symptoms of a case and symptom onset in individuals infected by that case). When the mode of the serial interval distribution is small, 1.5 days or less, there is generally no informative wave pattern in the observed series of daily incidences. The precision of the estimate of R is then improved substantially by having some observations on the serial interval. For an infectious disease with characteristics such as those of influenza, an estimate of R able to inform plans to mitigate transmission is obtained when the cumulative incidence of cases reaches about 300 and about 10 observations on the serial interval are available.
Outbreak investigation in two groups of coach passengers with gastroenteritis returning from Germany to the Netherlands in February 2009
Authors: Visser H , Verhoef L , Schop W , Gotz H M
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Seroprevalence of brucellosis in animals and human populations in the western mountains region in Libya, December 2006–January 2008
Authors: Ahmed M O , Elmeshri S E , Abuzweda A R , Blauo M , Abouzeed Y M , Ibrahim A , Salem H , Alzwam F , Abid S , Elfahem A , Elrais A
Published: March 2021

Brucellosis is a global zoonotic disease, endemic in North African countries and around the Mediterranean. A prospective study of Brucella seroprevalence was conducted in north-western Libya (western mountains region). Blood samples collected over 13 months in the period December 2006 to January 2008 from 561 animals (goats, sheep, cattle and camels) and 546 human volunteers were tested for Brucella using the Rose Bengal test, tube agglutination test and ELISA assays. Amongst livestock, 31% of goats and 42% of cattle were seropositive. Human samples showed a high seropositivity of 40%, with 95 (43%) of the 221 positive samples positive for IgM, indicating active or recent infection. Control measures are needed to reduce this high prevalence of brucellosis in Libya.
The impact of the pandemic influenza A(H1N1) 2009 virus on seasonal influenza A viruses in the southern hemisphere, 2009
Authors: Blyth C C , Kelso A , McPhie K A , Ratnamohan V M , Catton M , Druce J D , Smith D W , Williams S H , Huang Q S , Lopez L , Schoub B D , Venter M , Dwyer D E
Published: March 2021

Data collected over winter 2009 by five World Health Organisation National Influenza Centres in the southern hemisphere were used to examine the circulation of pandemic and seasonal influenza A strains during the first pandemic wave in the southern hemisphere. There is compelling evidence that the pandemic influenza A(H1N1) 2009 virus significantly displaced seasonal influenza A(H1N1) and, to a lesser extent, A(H3N2) viruses circulating in the southern hemisphere. Complete replacement of seasonal influenza A strains, however, was not observed during the first pandemic wave.
Toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans infection in a veterinary student in London, United Kingdom, May 2010
Authors: Taylor J , Saavedra-Campos M , Harwood D , Pritchard G , Raphaely N , Kapadia S , Efstratiou A , White J , Balasegaram S
Published: March 2021

We report on a case of toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans infection in a fully immunised veterinary student, investigated in London, United Kingdom, in May 2010. There was no ongoing transmission in human contacts. Possible animal sources were identified.
Micro-simulation of a smallpox outbreak using official register data
Authors: Brouwers L , Boman M , Camitz M , Mäkilä K , Tegnell A
Published: March 2021

To explore the efficacy of four vaccine-based policy strategies (ring vaccination, targeted vaccination, mass vaccination, and pre-vaccination of healthcare personnel combined with ring vaccination) for controlling smallpox outbreaks in Sweden, disease transmission on a spatially explicit social network was simulated. The mixing network was formed from high-coverage official register data of the entire Swedish population, building on the Swedish Total Population Register, the Swedish Employment Register, and the Geographic Database of Sweden. The largest reduction measured in the number of infections was achieved when combining ring vaccination with a pre-vaccination of healthcare personnel. In terms of per dose effectiveness, ring vaccination was by far the most effective strategy. The results can to some extent be adapted to other diseases and environments, including other countries, and the methods used can be analysed in their own right.
Dengue virus infections in travellers returning from Benin to France, July-August 2010
Authors: Gautret P , Botelho-Nevers E , Charrel R N , Parola P
Published: March 2021

In July and August 2010, two cases of dengue fever were diagnosed in travellers returning from Benin to France. These two cases exemplify that dengue fever should be considered in febrile travellers, even those returning from areas where the infection is not usual.
Practical usage of computer-supported outbreak detection in five European countries
Authors: Hulth A , Andrews N , Ethelberg S , Dreesman J , Faensen D , van Pelt W , Schnitzler J
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Quantifying benefits and risks of vaccinating Australian children aged six months to four years with trivalent inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine in 2010
Authors: Kelly H , Carcione D , Dowse G , Effler P
Published: March 2021

Australian and New Zealand health authorities identified seasonal trivalent inactivated influenza vaccines manufactured by CSL Biotherapies as the probable cause of increased febrile convulsions in children under five within 24 hours of vaccination and recommended against their use in this age group. We quantified the benefit-risk profile of the CSL vaccines using the number needed to vaccinate and suggest they might have caused two to three hospital admissions due to febrile convulsions for every hospital admission due to influenza prevented.
Hepatitis A outbreak in an Orthodox Jewish community in London, July 2010
Authors: Edelstein M , Turbitt D , Balogun K , Figueroa J , Nixon G
Published: March 2021

TA cluster of hepatitis A cases in the Orthodox Jewish community in London, United Kingdom in July 2010 has triggered extensive contact tracing and vaccination. Two primary cases imported from a common source in Israel and three secondary cases have resulted in immunisation of over 900 contacts to date. Rapid response by local public health, primary care services and a dedicated community health team, and active hepatitis A vaccination rather than immunoglobulin treatment were used to avert a larger outbreak.
Outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in a nursing home, Slovenia, August 2010: preliminary report
Authors: Trop Skaza A , Beskovnik L , Storman A , Ursic S , Groboljsek B , Kese D
Published: March 2021

We report an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in a nursing home in Slovenia in August 2010 affecting 15 of 234 residents. To date, Legionnaires' disease has been confirmed in four patients. Further serum analyses and genotyping of isolates are ongoing. The building's water distribution system with dead end sections has been identified as the probable source of infection.
Ongoing outbreak of mumps affecting adolescents and young adults in Bavaria, Germany, August to October 2010
Authors: Otto W , Mankertz A , Santibanez S , Saygili H , Wenzel J , Jilg W , Wieland W F , Borgmann S
Published: March 2021

Since the introduction of a two-dose MMR vaccination regime the incidence of mumps virus infections has substantially declined. However, mumps outbreaks have recently been reported from several countries. Here we report an ongoing mumps outbreak in Germany. Between 1 July and 31 October, 115 infections have been laboratory-confirmed. Reported complications include one case of meningitis and 21 cases of orchitis, suggesting a high rate of complications. We suggest a vaccination campaign for young adults in northern Bavaria to limit severe mumps infections.
Fatal acute melioidosis in a tourist returning from Martinique Island, November 2010
Authors: Gétaz L , Abbas M , Loutan L , Schrenzel J , Iten A , Simon F , Decosterd A , Studer R , Sudre P , Michel Y , Merlani P , Emonet S
Published: March 2021

We report the fatal case of acute melioidosis in a patient returning from Martinique with fever in November 2010. Gram-negative rods were isolated from a blood culture and Burkholderia pseudomallei identified within 24 hours after first medical contact. The patient died two days after admission to hospital despite intravenous therapy with high doses of imipenem/cilastatin and intensive care. Clinicians seeing travellers returning from the subtropics or tropics with severe pneumonia or septicaemia should consider the possibility of acute melioidosis.
Virological analysis of fatal influenza cases in the United Kingdom during the early wave of influenza in winter 2010/11
Authors: Ellis J , Galiano M , Pebody R , Lackenby A , Thompson CI , Bermingham A , McLean E , Zhao H , Bolotin S , Dar O , Watson J  M , Zambon M
Published: March 2021

The 2010/11 winter influenza season is underway in the United Kingdom, with co-circulation of influenza A(H1N1)2009 (antigenically similar to the current 2010/11 vaccine strain), influenza B (mainly B/Victoria/2/87 lineage, similar to the 2010/11 vaccine strain) and a few sporadic influenza A(H3N2) viruses. Clinical influenza activity has been increasing. Severe illness, resulting in hospitalisation and deaths, has occurred in children and young adults and has predominantly been associated with influenza A(H1N1)2009, but also influenza B viruses.
Measles among healthcare workers: a potential for nosocomial outbreaks
Authors: Botelho-Nevers E , Cassir N , Minodier P , Laporte R , Gautret P , Badiaga S , Thiberville DJ , Ninove L , Charrel R , Brouqui P
Published: March 2021

We report here 14 cases of measles among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Public Hospitals of Marseilles, France that occurred between April and November 2010. All cases but one were under 30 years of age. Following the identification of these cases, we checked the immune status among 154 HCWs who volunteered to take part in the study and showed that 93% and 88% were immune against measles and mumps respectively. HCWs non-immunised against measles were all under 30 years of age.
Secondary attack rate of pandemic influenza A(H1N1)2009 in Western Australian households, 29 May–7 August 2009
Authors: Carcione D , Giele C M , Goggin L S , Kwan K SH , Smith D W , Dowse G K , Mak D B , Effler P
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Electronic real-time surveillance for influenza-like illness: experience from the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic in Denmark
Authors: Harder K M , Andersen P H , Bæhr I , Nielsen L P , Ethelberg S , Glismann S , Mølbak K
Published: March 2021

To enhance surveillance for influenza-like illness (ILI) in Denmark, a year-round electronic reporting system was established in collaboration with the Danish medical on-call service (DMOS). In order to achieve real-time surveillance of ILI, a checkbox for ILI was inserted in the electronic health record and a system for daily transfer of data to the national surveillance centre was implemented. The weekly number of all consultations in DMOS was around 60,000, and activity of ILI peaked in week 46 of 2009 when 9.5% of 73,723 consultations were classified as ILI. The incidence of ILI reached a maximum on 16 November 2009 for individuals between five and 24 years of age, followed by peaks in children under five years, adults aged between 25 and 64 years and on 27 November in senior citizens (65 years old or older). In addition to the established influenza surveillance system, this novel system was useful because it was timelier than the sentinel surveillance system and allowed for a detailed situational analysis including subgroup analysis on a daily basis.
Oseltamivir-resistant influenza viruses circulating during the first year of the influenza A(H1N1)2009 pandemic in the Asia-Pacific region, March 2009 to March 2010
Authors: Hurt A C , Deng Y M , Ernest J , Caldwell N , Leang L , Iannello P , Komadina N , Shaw R , Smith D , Dwyer D E , Tramontana A R , Lin R T , Freeman K , Kelso A , Barr I G
Published: March 2021

During the first year of the influenza A(H1N1)2009 pandemic, unprecedented amounts of the neuraminidase inhibitors, predominantly oseltamivir, were used in economically developed countries for the treatment and prophylaxis of patients prior to the availability of a pandemic vaccine. Due to concerns about the development of resistance, over 1,400 influenza A(H1N1)2009 viruses isolated from the Asia-Pacific region during the first year of the pandemic (March 2009 to March 2010) were analysed by phenotypic and genotypic assays to determine their susceptibility to the neuraminidase inhibitors. Amongst viruses submitted to the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research in Melbourne, Australia, oseltamivir resistance was detected in 1.3% of influenza A(H1N1)2009 strains from Australia and 3.1% of strains from Singapore, but none was detected in specimens received from other countries in Oceania or south-east Asia, or in east Asia. The overall frequency of oseltamivir resistance in the Asia-Pacific region was 16 of 1,488 (1.1%). No zanamivir-resistant viruses were detected. Of the 16 oseltamivir-resistant isolates detected, nine were from immunocompromised individuals undergoing oseltamivir treatment and three were from immunocompetent individuals undergoing oseltamivir treatment. Importantly, four oseltamivir-resistant strains were from immunocompetent individuals who had not been treated with oseltamivir, demonstrating limited low-level community transmission of oseltamivir-resistant strains. Even with increased use of oseltamivir during the pandemic, the frequency of resistance has been low, with little evidence of community-wide spread of the resistant strains. Nevertheless, prudent use of the neuraminidase inhibitors remains necessary, as does continued monitoring for drug-resistant influenza viruses.
Early spread of the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic in the United Kingdom – use of local syndromic data, May–August 2009
Authors: Smith S , Smith G E , Olowokure B , Ibbotson S , Foord D , Maguire H , Pebody R , Charlett A , Hippisley-Cox J , Elliot A J
Published: March 2021

Following the confirmation of the first two cases of pandemic influenza on 27 April 2009 in the United Kingdom (UK), syndromic surveillance data from the Health Protection Agency (HPA)/QSurveillance and HPA/NHS Direct systems were used to monitor the possible spread of pandemic influenza at local level during the first phase of the outbreak. During the early weeks, syndromic indicators sensitive to influenza activity monitored through the two schemes remained low and the majority of cases were travel-related. The first evidence of community spread was seen in the West Midlands region following a school-based outbreak in central Birmingham. During the first phase several Primary Care Trusts had periods of exceptional influenza activity two to three weeks ahead of the rest of the region. Community transmission in London began slightly later than in the West Midlands but the rates of influenza-like illness recorded by general practitioners (GPs) were ultimately higher. Influenza activity in the West Midlands and London regions peaked a week before the remainder of the UK. Data from the HPA/NHS Direct and HPA/QSurveillance systems were mapped at local level and used alongside laboratory data and local intelligence to assist in the identification of hotspots, to direct limited public health resources and to monitor the progression of the outbreak. This work has demonstrated the utility of local syndromic surveillance data in the detection of increased transmission and in the epidemiological investigation of the pandemic and has prompted future spatio-temporal work.
Usefulness of porA sequencing in distinguishing sporadic and linked cases of serogroup B invasive meningococcal disease in Suffolk, United Kingdom, December 2009 to January 2010
Authors: Varadarajan A , Sundkvist T , Jayatilleke N , Williams C , Gray S J , Carr A D , Kaczmarski E B
Published: March 2021

A cluster of three fatal cases of invasive meningococcal disease due to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B in a town in Suffolk, United Kingdom, during December 2009 to January 2010 was reported to the local Health Protection Unit. This paper describes the investigation undertaken to identify any potential epidemiological links among the cases, to determine if this was an outbreak and to consider whether to implement community-wide interventions and control measures. Case epidemiological information in addition to serogroup and genosubtyping (porA gene sequencing) data of the infecting organism was gathered on all cases in this reported cluster. Genosubtyping was also retrospectively requested for all serogroup B cases confirmed in Suffolk during 2009. Extensive investigation failed to establish an epidemiological link among the cluster of fatal cases of serogroup B invasive meningococcal disease in Suffolk. By demonstrating a number of distinct strains, the genosubtyping of isolates proved to be useful in the public health management of this incident by serving to exclude a community outbreak and preventing unnecessary mass chemoprophylaxis.
Cases of community-acquired meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an asylum seekers centre in Germany, November 2010
Authors: Dudareva S , Barth A , Paeth K , Krenz-Weinreich A , Layer F , Deleré Y , Eckmanns T
Published: March 2021

In an asylum seeker centre in Schleswig-Holstein, a resident was diagnosed with furuncle caused by a Panton-Valentine leukocidine (PVL)-positive community-acquired meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA). As a result of active case finding, 232 of 427 persons (54% of all residents) were screened for MRSA and two further PVL-positive CA-MRSA cases were identified.
Pertussis incidence among adolescents and adults surveyed in general practices in the Paris area, France, May 2008 to March 2009
Authors: Lasserre A , Laurent E , Turbelin C , Hanslik T , Blanchon T , Guiso N
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Increase in invasive Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae infections in England, December 2010 to January 2011
Authors: Zakikhany K , Degail M A , Lamagni T , Waight P , Guy R , Zhao H , Efstratiou A , Pebody R , George R , Ramsay M
Published: March 2021

Increases in invasive Streptococcus pyogenes and S. pneumoniae above the seasonally expected levels are currently being seen in England. Preliminary analyses suggest that the high level of influenza activity seen this winter may be contributing to an increased risk of concurrent invasive bacterial and influenza infections in children and young adults.
Impact of the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic on public health workers in the Netherlands
Authors: Vinck L , Isken L , Hooiveld M , Trompenaars M C , IJzermans J , Timen A
Published: March 2021

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to analyse the impact of the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic on frontline public health workers in the Netherlands and to consider its implications for future pandemics. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was made available online (26 March to 26 May 2010) for frontline public health workers employed by the communicable disease departments of the public health services in the Netherlands (n=302). A total of 166 questionnaires (55%) were completed. The majority of respondents reported an increased workload, perceived as too busy (117 respondents, 70.5%) or extreme (13 respondents, 7.8%). Most respondents were not anxious about becoming infected (only seven were regularly concerned). The overall compliance with the control measures was good. The case definition was strictly applied by 110 of the 166 respondents (66%); 56 of 141 (39.7%) consistently consulted the Preparedness and Response Unit within a centralised assessment system, while 68 of 141 (48.2%) consulted the unit only at the beginning of the pandemic. Of 145 respondents with available data, 128 (88.3%) always used personal protective equipment. Reported adherence to the advice to discuss the various isolation measures with patients and their contacts was between 71% and 98.7%. Our study shows that the surveyed frontline public health workers considered the workload to be high during the first 3.5 months of the pandemic and their level of anxiety about becoming infected was reported to be low. During the pandemic, these workers were able to accommodate what they considered to be an excessive workload, even though initially their assignments were unfamiliar to them.
Ongoing outbreak of measles in Oslo, Norway, January–February 2011
Authors: Vainio K , Rønning K , Steen T W , Arnesen T M , Ånestad G , Dudman S
Published: March 2021

Between 19 January and 17 February 2011, 10 cases of measles (eight laboratory-confirmed and two probable) were reported in Oslo with the majority of cases in a mainly unvaccinated immigrant community. Of these, two cases were identified outside the immigrant community, in Norwegian children.
Hepatitis A outbreak predominantly affecting men who have sex with men in Northern Ireland, October 2008 to July 2009
Authors: Sfetcu O , Irvine N , Ngui S L , Emerson C , McCaughey C , Donaghy P
Published: March 2021

We describe an outbreak of hepatitis A which evolved in Northern Ireland between October 2008 and July 2009, against a background of large concurrent hepatitis A outbreaks in various parts of Europe. Thirty-eight cases were defined as outbreak cases using a stratified case definition; 36 were males with a median age of 29 years and of the 28 males whose sexual orientation was known, 26 were men who have sex with men (MSM). Detailed descriptive epidemiology data collected through standardised questionnaires, together with sequencing of a 289 bp fragment of the VP1/2PA region of the virus, significantly aided the understanding of the spread of the outbreak when non-MSM cases occurred. The sequence of the outbreak strain, genotype IA, was indistinguishable from that involved in a large outbreak in the Czech Republic. Although seeded in a generally susceptible Northern Ireland population, the outbreak remained mostly contained in MSM, showing this sub-population to be the most vulnerable despite ongoing hepatitis A vaccination programmes in genito-urinary medicine clinics.
Large outbreak of isoniazid-monoresistant tuberculosis in London, 1995 to 2006: case–control study and recommendations
Authors: Maguire H , Brailsford S , Carless J , Yates M , Altass L , Yates S , Anaraki S , Charlett A , Lozewicz S , Lipman M , Bothamley G
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Outbreak of rotavirus gastroenteritis in a nursing home, Slovenia, December 2010
Authors: Trop Skaza A , Beskovnik L , Zohar Cretnik T
Published: March 2021

A gastroenteritis outbreak affected 45 people (40 residents and five staff) in a nursing home for the elderly in the Celje region, north-east Slovenia, between 17 December and 31 December 2010. Rotavirus group A was laboratory confirmed in the stools of five ill individuals. The outbreak was identified when the number of affected persons was high but was successfully controlled after implementing preventive measures.
Nosocomial transmission of measles among healthcare workers, Bulgaria, 2010
Authors: Komitova R , Kunchev A , Mihneva Z , Marinova L
Published: March 2021

This report describes 326 cases of nosocomial transmission of measles with 286 cases among non-healthcare workers who acquired the disease in a hospital setting. Between October 2009 and April 2010, 40 healthcare workers from seven different regions in Bulgaria have contracted the disease.
Innovations in communication: the Internet and the psychology of vaccination decisions
Authors: Betsch C
Published: March 2021

This paper provides a psychological perspective on the possible effect of the Internet on the decision against vaccination. The reported importance of the Internet in health decisions is still low, but rising; especially the amount of interactive use of the Internet is increasing, e.g. due to the use of social media. It is argued that the fact that individuals do not report the Internet to be an important source of information does not necessarily mean that the information obtained in their Internet searches is not influential in their decisions. Evidence is summarised here regarding the (anti-)vaccination information on the Internet, and its influence on risk perceptions and on vaccination intentions and behaviour in relation to the encoded information. The conclusion suggests that scholars should strive to explain the underlying processes and potential mediators of vaccination decisions to increase the effectiveness of health communication. In reference to a definition of evidence-based medicine, a great future challenge lies in evidence-based public health communication based on interdisciplinary research involving public health, medical research, communication science and psychology.
Coverage of human papillomavirus vaccination during the first year of its introduction in Spain
Authors: Limia A , Pachón I
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Colonic ischaemia as a severe Shiga toxin/verotoxin producing Escherichia coli O104:H4 complication in a patient without haemolytic uraemic syndrome, Germany, June 2011
Authors: Cordesmeyer S , Peitz U , Gödde N , Kasper H U , Hoffmann M W , Allemeyer E
Published: March 2021

An increasing rate of infections with Shiga toxin/verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC/VTEC) O104:H4 has been observed in Germany since May 2011, with unusually high numbers of patients suffering from haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). We report a STEC/VTEC O104:H4 case without HUS, presenting with colonic ischaemia demanding surgery. This atypical clinical presentation of STEC O104:H4 infection might indicate new severe complications associated with this uncommon strain, and highlights the importance of immediate interdisciplinary assessment of STEC/VTEC patients.
The Chlamydia surveillance system in Sweden delivers relevant and accurate data: results from the system evaluation, 1997-2008
Authors: Riera-Montes M , Velicko I
Published: March 2021

This study evaluates the ability of the Chlamydia surveillance system to provide relevant information to inform prevention and control activities in Sweden. The system was evaluated, according to the Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems from the United States Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, using surveillance data from 1997 to 2008. We interviewed staff from the Swedish Institute for Communicable Disease Control, the National Board of Health and Welfare and one county medical officer (CMO). We conducted a survey among laboratories, CMOs and a sample of clinics. Satisfaction with the system was good for 86% of CMOs, all laboratories, and 99% of clinics. The interviewed stakeholders considered the system to deliver relevant and accurate information that is useful for health policy decision making. However, the objectives for Chlamydia surveillance should be clearly defined in order to adapt the system requirements, simplify data collection and improve timeliness.
Investigation of a spatiotemporal cluster of verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 infections in eastern England in 2007
Authors: Rechel B , Mahgoub H , Pritchard G C , Willshaw G , Williams C , Rodrigues B , Lewin M , Nair P
Published: March 2021

An outbreak of verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 (VTEC O157) infections linked to an open farm occurred in eastern England in April and May 2007. This paper describes the investigation and highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration for successful control of such outbreaks. There was a temporal cluster of 12 confirmed symptomatic cases of VTEC O157 and one asymptomatic carrier, from five families. The investigation revealed that four of these cases formed part of an outbreak involving two families who visited an open farm. The phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the isolates from the two families and the putative farm animal contacts were indistinguishable, indicating that the animals were the source of the primary infections. No epidemiological link could be established between the remaining three families affected and the open farm or people having visited the farm. Control measures included improved hand washing facilities on the farm, information for visitors and staff, restricted access and suspended petting and feeding of animals, and thorough cleaning and disinfection of affected areas.
Coxsackieviral infections involved in aseptic meningitis: a study in Slovakia from 2005 to 2009
Authors: Sojka M , Wsólová L , Petrovičová A
Published: March 2021

A wide range of diseases is associated with enteroviruses. They are reported to be responsible for viral meningitis, especially in children, but also in adults. This study analysed infection with eight selected coxsackievirus serotypes as the cause of aseptic meningitis in 480 patients in Slovakia from 2005 to 2009, using a quantitative assay for the detection of intrathecal antibodies. Intrathecal production of antibodies against selected coxsackieviruses was proved in 21% of these patients. A significant decrease from 35% in 2005 to 8,5% in 2009 (p=0.004) in the proportion of patients with proven intrathecal production of virus-specific antibodies was observed during the study period. We conclude that coxsackievirus B4 was the endemic serotype in Slovakia and was responsible for most cases of coxsackieviral meningitis in the study period.
Outbreak of norovirus infection in a hotel in Oslo, Norway, January 2011
Authors: Guzman-Herrador B , Heier B  T , Osborg E J , Nguyen V H , Vold L
Published: March 2021

A total of 56 people were affected with gastroenteritis after attending a one-day meeting in a high-quality hotel in the centre of Oslo, Norway, at the end of January 2011. A complete outbreak investigation was carried out. The microbiological investigation confirmed that the outbreak was caused by norovirus. All participants at the meeting were invited by email to complete an online questionnaire asking for information on demographic data, symptoms and food consumption. The results of the epidemiological investigation of the food items served were inconclusive and the source and transmission route of this outbreak remains unclear. However, the environmental investigation highlighted several irregularities in the kitchen that may have enabled the spread of the virus. Specific cleaning procedures and rules were set up for the kitchen staff. As a consequence of this outbreak investigation, the hotel is planning to change its internal routine protocols, for example, samples of food items served at every meal during an event will be stored.
Secondary transmissions during the outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O104 in Hesse, Germany, 2011
Authors: Hauri A M , Götsch U , Strotmann I , Krahn J , Bettge-Weller G , Westbrock H J , Bellinger O , Uphoff H
Published: March 2021

During the recent outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O104:H4 in Germany most cases notified in the State of Hesse (6 million inhabitants) were linked to satellite clusters or had travelled to the outbreak area in northern Germany. Intensified surveillance was introduced to rapidly identify cases not linked to known clusters or cases and thus to obtain timely information on possible further contaminated vehicles distributed in Hesse, as well to describe the risk of secondary transmission among known cases. As of 2 August 2011*, 56 cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) including two fatal cases, and 124 cases of STEC gastroenteritis meeting the national case definitions have been reported in Hesse. Among the 55 HUS and 81 STEC gastroenteritis cases that met the outbreak case definition, one HUS case and eight STEC gastroenteritis cases may have acquired their infection through secondary transmission. They include six possible transmissions within the family, two possible nosocomial and one possible laboratory transmission. Our results do not suggest an increased transmissibility of the outbreak strain compared to what is already known about E. coli O157 and other STEC serotypes.
Hepatitis A and hepatitis A virus/HIV coinfection in men who have sex with men, Warsaw, Poland, September 2008 to September 2009
Authors: Dabrowska M M , Nazzal K , Wiercinska-Drapalo A
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Invasive Group A streptococcal disease in Ireland, 2004 to 2010
Authors: Martin J , Murchan S , O’Flanagan D , Fitzpatrick F
Published: March 2021

Invasive group A streptococcal infections (iGAS) are a major clinical and public health challenge. iGAS is a notifiable disease in Ireland since 2004. The aim of this paper is to describe the epidemiology of iGAS in Ireland for the first time over the seven-year period from 2004 to 2010. The Irish national electronic infectious disease reporting system was used by laboratories to enter the source of iGAS isolates, and by departments of public health to enter clinical and epidemiological details. We extracted and analysed data from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2010. Over the study period, 400 iGAS cases were notified. The annual incidence of iGAS doubled, from 0.8 per 100,000 population in 2004 to 1.6 in 2008, and then remained the same in 2009 and 2010. The reported average annual incidence rates were highest among children up to five years of age (2.3/100,000) and adults aged over 60 years (3.2/100,000). The most common risk factors associated with iGAS were skin lesions or wounds. Of the 174 people for whom clinical syndrome information was available, 28 (16%) cases presented with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and 19 (11%) with necrotising fasciitis. Of the 141 cases for whom seven-day outcomes were recorded, 11 people died with iGAS identified as the main cause of death (seven-day case fatality rate 8%). The notification rate of iGAS in Ireland was lower than that reported in the United Kingdom, Nordic countries and North America but higher than southern and eastern European countries. The reasons for lower notification rates in Ireland compared with other countries may be due to a real difference in incidence, possibly due to prescribing practices, or due to artefacts resulting from the specific Irish case definition and/or low reporting in the early stages of a new surveillance system. iGAS disease remains an uncommon but potentially severe disease in Ireland. Ongoing surveillance is required in order to undertake appropriate control measures and gain a greater understanding of this disease.
Detection of Citrobacter koseri carrying beta-lactamase KPC-2 in a hospitalised patient, Greece, July 2011
Authors: Mavroidi A , Neonakis I , Liakopoulos A , Papaioannou A , Ntala M , Tryposkiadis F , Miriagou V , Petinaki E
Published: March 2021

This report describes the detection of Citrobacter koseri carrying K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC-2) isolated in July 2011 from a Greek patient, who was also colonised by a Klebsiella pneumoniae strain co-producing KPC-2 and Verona integron-encoded metallo-beta-lactamase (VIM)-1.
The European gonococcal antimicrobial surveillance programme, 2009
Authors: Cole M J , Unemo M , Hoffmann S , Chisholm S A , Ison C A , van de Laar M J
Published: March 2021

Neisseria gonorrhoeae antimicrobial susceptibility is monitored in the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) by the European gonococcal antimicrobial surveillance programme (Euro-GASP). Results from 17 EU/EEA Member States in 2009 showed that 5% of isolates had decreased susceptibility to cefixime, an upward trend in the minimum inhibitory concentrations of ceftriaxone and a high prevalence of resistance to ciprofloxacin (63%) and azithromycin (13%). These results are of public health value and highlight the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of possible cefixime treatment failures. Euro-GASP is being implemented in additional EU/EEA Member States to achieve greater representativeness. In addition, Euro-GASP aims to set up a system which will allow biannual reporting of antimicrobial resistance in the EU/EEA, with a transition from centralised towards decentralised testing, and will link epidemiological data to laboratory data to enhance surveillance. The benefits of this approach include more timely detection of emerging trends in gonococcal resistance across the EU/EEA and the provision of a robust evidence base for informing national and European guidelines for therapy.
Measles genotypes D4 and G3 reintroduced by multiple foci after 15 years without measles virus circulation, Gipuzkoa, the Basque Country, Spain, March to June 2011
Authors: Cilla G , Montes M , Artieda J , Piñeiro L , Arriola L , Pérez-Trallero E
Published: March 2021

During a three-month period in spring 2011, 23 cases of measles occurred in seven independent outbreaks in a region in Spain with around 700,000 inhabitants, where the disease had been eliminated since 1997. High vaccination coverage and rapid diagnosis allowed implementation of containment measures and this prevented spread of the disease. Except for the first outbreak which affected 10 cases, each of the other six outbreaks caused a maximum of three secondary cases.
Nosocomial and non-nosocomial Clostridium difficile infections in hospitalised patients in Belgium - compulsory surveillance data from 2008 to 2010
Authors: Viseur N , Lambert M L , Delmée M , Van Broeck J , Catry B
Published: March 2021

Surveillance of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is compulsory in Belgian hospitals. Our objectives were to compare incidence and case characteristics of nosocomial infections (Nc-CDI) with onset of diarrhoea more than two days after hospital admission, with non-nosocomial cases (Nnc-CDI). The database included inpatients from 2008 to 2010. Of 8,351 cases reported by 150 hospitals, 3,102 (37%) were classified as Nnc-CDI and 5,249 (63%) as Nc-CDI. In 2010, the mean incidence per 1,000 admissions was 0.95 for Nc-CDI and 0.56 for Nnc-CDI. Both incidences were relatively stable over the three years, with a slight decrease in 2010 (p<0.01). Onset of symptoms in Nnc-CDI cases took place in the community (57.1%), nursing homes (14.2%) or hospitals (17.5%); data for 11.2% were missing. Nnc-CDI cases were younger than Nc-CDI (median age 75 vs. 79 years, p<0.001), and more likely to be women (62% vs. 57%, p<0.001) and to have pseudomembranous colitis (5.3% vs. 1.6%, p<0.001). In 2009, C. difficile ribotype 027 was found in 32 of 70 reporting hospitals compared with 19 of 69 in 2010 (p<0.03). Although our study population only included hospitalised patients, the results do not support the hypothesis of an increase in the incidence of severe community-associated CDI.
New research on pandemic influenza at the World Congress of Epidemiology, Edinburgh, 7-11 August 2011
Authors: Summers J A , Wilson N , Baker M G
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
National outbreak of Salmonella Java phage type 3b variant 9 infection using parallel case–control and case–case study designs, United Kingdom, July to October 2010
Authors: Gobin M , Launders N , Lane C , Kafatos G , Adak B
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Outbreak of NDM-1-producing Enterobacteriaceae in northern Italy, July to August 2011
Authors: Gaibani P , Ambretti S , Berlingeri A , Cordovana M , Farruggia P , Panico M , Landini M P , Sambri V
Published: March 2021

Between July 2011 and August 2011, the New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) gene was detected in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli isolates obtained from six patients hospitalised in four healthcare facilities in northern Italy. The patient who had been hospitalised in New Delhi, India, from February to May 2011 and subsequently in the Bologna area, Italy, from May to July 2011, may have been the source of the outbreak. Our findings suggest ongoing spread of this carbapenem-resistance gene in Italy and highlight the need for intensive surveillance.
Two cases of mild IgM-negative measles in previously vaccinated adults, the Netherlands, April and July 2011
Authors: van den Hoek A , Sonder G J , Scholing M , Gijselaar DB , van Binnendijk R S
Published: March 2021

We describe two cases of mild, modified measles in fully vaccinated adults in the Netherlands. The mildness of disease, the lack of an IgM antibody response, the relatively low amounts of virus detected and the fact that no additional cases were reported, suggests that these vaccinated patients were less contagious than unvaccinated patients.
A case of diphtheria in Sweden, October 2011
Authors: Fredlund H , Norén T , Lepp T , Morfeldt E , Henriques Normark B
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Preliminary implications for Europe of the 2011 influenza season in five temperate southern hemisphere countries
Authors: Lopez Chavarrias V , Broberg E , Nicoll A
Published: March 2021

The 2011 influenza season (May to October) in the southern hemisphere was dominated by the A(H1N1) viruses that emerged during the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic and influenza B viruses, although the proportion of these two varied between and within countries. Some influenza A(H3N2) viruses were also seen. We discuss here the preliminary implications for Europe of the 2011 influenza season in five temperate southern hemisphere countries.
Three probable cases of cutaneous anthrax in autonomous province of Vojvodina, Serbia, June 2011
Authors: Đurić P , Ćosić G , Rajčević S , Petrovic V , Tomković M , Subić Ž , Dimitrić M
Published: March 2021

Three probable cases of cutaneous anthrax were reported in June 2011 in the eastern part of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia. All cases were involved in slaughtering of a heifer that died and was suspected to have had anthrax. In the same village, anthrax was confirmed in other animals.
Assessment of public health issues of migrants at the Greek-Turkish border, April 2011
Authors: Mertens E , Rockenschaub G , Economopoulou A , Kreidl P
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Emergence and outbreak of carbapenemase-producing KPC-3 Klebsiella pneumoniae in Spain, September 2009 to February 2010: control measures
Authors: Robustillo Rodela A , Díaz-Agero Pérez C , Sanchez Sagrado T , Ruiz-Garbajosa P , Pita López M J , Monge V
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Isolation of NDM-1-producing Klebsiella pnemoniae in Ireland, July 2011
Authors: McDermott H , Morris D , McArdle E , O'Mahony G , Kelly S , Cormican M , Cunney R
Published: March 2021

We report the identification of New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1 (NDM-1)-producing Klebsiella pnemoniae in Ireland. The organism was resistant to multiple antibiotic classes, including carbapenems, and PCR and sequencing confirmed the presence of the blaNDM-1 gene, carried on a 98kb plasmid. The organism was isolated from an infant, who was born in India and moved to Ireland at the age of four months. This is the first reported isolation of an NDM-1-producing Enterobacteriaceae strain in Ireland.
Increased detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children, Lyon, France, 2010 to 2011
Authors: Eibach D , Casalegno J S , Escuret V , Billaud G , Mekki Y , Frobert E , Bouscambert-Duchamp M , Lina B , Morfin F
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
A norovirus outbreak triggered by copper intoxication on a coach trip from the Netherlands to Germany, April 2010
Authors: Hoefnagel J , van de Weerdt D H , Schaefer O , Koene R
Published: March 2021

We report an unusual outbreak of norovirus infection on a coach trip. Overall, 30 of 40 people (including drivers and crew) developed nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea, 11 of them on the first day of the trip. The incidence epidemic curve showed a first peak on Day 1 and a second on Day 4. Nine passengers were hospitalised with gastrointestinal symptoms. Norovirus was found in stool samples from two patients, but the infection could not explain the first peak in the epidemic curve only a few hours after departure. Interviews with the passengers and an inspection of the coach and its water supply implicated the water used for coffee and tea as the potential source. Microbiological investigations of the water were negative, but chemical analysis showed a toxic concentration of copper. Blood copper levels as well as renal and liver function were determined in 28 of the 32 passengers who had been exposed to the water. One passenger who did not have gastrointestinal symptoms had an elevated copper level of 25.9 µmol/L, without loss of liver or renal function. It is likely that the spread of norovirus was enhanced because of vomiting of one of the passengers due to copper intoxication.
Moderate influenza vaccine effectiveness in Victoria, Australia, 2011
Authors: Fielding J E , Grant K A , Tran T , Kelly H A
Published: March 2021

We used a sentinel general practitioner (GP) network to conduct surveillance for laboratory-confirmed influenza amongst patients presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) in Victoria, Australia in 2011. The test-negative variation of the case control study design was used to estimate effectiveness for seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine. Cases and controls were ILI patients that tested positive and negative for influenza, respectively. Vaccination status was recorded by GPs and vaccine effectiveness (VE) was calculated as (1-adjusted odds ratio)x100%. There were 529 patients included in the study, of which 29% were influenza-positive. Twelve percent of study participants were reported as vaccinated, 6% of cases and 15% of controls. Adjusted VE against all influenza was 56%, but not statistically significant. There was generally little variation in VE estimates when stratified by virus type and subtype, which is consistent with good matches between circulating strains and the vaccine strains. The VE was higher among adults of working age than among children.
Outbreak investigation of brucellosis in Thassos, Greece, 2008
Authors: Karagiannis I , Mellou K , Gkolfinopoulou K , Dougas G , Theocharopoulos G , Vourvidis D , Ellinas D , Sotolidou M , Papadimitriou T , Vorou R
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Epidemiology of tuberculosis in the EU/EEA in 2010 – monitoring the progress towards tuberculosis elimination
Authors: Sandgren A , Hollo V , Huitric E , Ködmön C
Published: March 2021

The 2012 combined tuberculosis (TB) surveillance and monitoring report for the European Union and European Economic Area identifies a mean annual decline in TB notification rate by 4.4% from 2006 to 2010. Culture confirmation for new pulmonary cases and drug susceptibility testing have increased to 65.6% and 70.8%, but remain under their targets of 80% and 100%, respectively. Reporting of treatment outcome and co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus also remain suboptimal. Strengthened control practices are needed to allow progress towards TB elimination.
A human metapneumovirus outbreak at a community hospital in England, July to September 2010
Authors: Degail M A , Hughes G J , Maule C , Holmes C , Lilley M , Pebody R , Bonnet J , Bermingham A , Bracebridge S
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches