bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HUS due to a sorbitol-fermenting verotoxigenic E. coli O157 in Scotland
Authors: Allison L
Published: October 2017

The Scottish Escherichia coli O157 Reference Laboratory (SERL) has reported the isolation of a sorbitol-fermenting verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) O157 strain from a 5 year old child with haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) (1). No source of infection has yet been identified.
Results from laboratory-based reporting of syphilis in Germany, 2001-2002
Authors: Marcus U , Hamouda O , Kiehl W
Published: October 2017

From the beginning of 2001 to mid-2002, 2783 cases of syphilis were notified to the Robert Koch-Institut (RKI) in Germany (1). Of these notifications, 1681 were for cases diagnosed in 2001, and 1102 were for cases diagnosed so far in the first half of 2002 (a 50% increase on the first half of 2001). The annual number of syphilis notifications in Germany between 1995 and 2000 was between 1120 and 1150. The recent rise in reported cases follows a major change in the German syphilis notification system, from physician- to laboratory-based reporting, which was introduced at the beginning of 2001.
Diagnosis of lyssavirus infection confirmed in case of human rabies in Scotland - update
Authors: Hoile E
Published: October 2017

Laboratory results of tests on the case of suspected rabies in Tayside, Scotland, have shown that the man was infected with
European bat lyssavirus (EBL) type 2. (1,2). The patient died on 24 November 2002 (3).
Outbreak of multidrug resistant Salmonella Typhimurium DT120 in Denmark
Authors: Helms M , Borck B , Neimann J
Published: October 2017

From August to October 2002, a total of 41 human cases of multidrug resistant Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Typhimurium resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, streptomycin and sulfamethoxazole (R-type ASSuT) were reported in Denmark. Cases were not confined to one region, but were spread out over most of the country. At least 10 of the patients were hospitalised. No deaths have been recorded. Until August 2002, S. Typhimurium R-type ASSuT was uncommon in human isolates. From 1997 to July 2002 a total of 81 (2.5%) strains with this resistance profile were found in 3114 cases of S. Typhimurium tested for antimicrobial susceptibility.
Increased respiratory syncytial virus activity in Ireland
Authors: Domegan L , O’Donnell J , Cunney R , O’Kelly Edwin , Dooley S
Published: October 2017

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is currently circulating in Ireland, England, France, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic. In Ireland and the Netherlands, RSV detections are higher than usual while in England and France, RSV activity is normal for the time of the year (1).
Calls published for the Marie Curie scheme under FP6 to improve mobility of researchers within the European Research Area
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

If the European Research Area is to function successfully, researchers from European Union (EU) member states, EU candidate countries, and other associated states need to be able to move easily and quickly between the countries for research and work purposes.
Chemical threats in the EU Health Security Programme
Authors:   A Baka,   F van Loock,   A Tegnell,   L Vittozzi,   G Gouvras
Published: October 2017

All projected tasks for the European Commission’s Task Force for Biological and Chemical Attacks (http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/ph/programmes/bio-terrorism/index_en.html) take both biological and chemical threats into account. The Task Force experts have compiled information from a series of valid lists of toxic threats, from bodies including the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the Australia Group* (AG), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and others. A list of suspicious chemicals and toxins is being finalised by the Task Force, working with their counterparts in the Global Health Security Initiative of the G7+ countries (1).
Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria makes progress
Authors: Harris J
Published: October 2017

According to Richard Feacham Executive Director of the Global Fund (http://www.globalfundatm.org), the global HIV/AIDS pandemic is already worse than the Black Death, which raged in the mid 14th Century and is the largest catastrophe in recorded human history. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is not expected to peak until around 2050 or 2060. Feacham noted that India is currently on the same trajectory as Africa, but lagging 15 years behind. At present, there is nothing in place to alter the situation in India and the scale of the Indian epidemic will be 'staggering'.
Avian influenza in Hong Kong – further details
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Further details about the outbreaks of avian influenza in chicken farms in Hong Kong (1), including the latest figures, have been circulated on ProMED-mail (http://www.promedmail.org/).
Multivalent MMR vaccine is safe according to WHO
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) has concluded that no evidence exists of a causal association between measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism or autistic disorders. The GACVS reached this conclusion at its most recent meeting in Geneva in December 2002 (1).
WHO publishes guidance to minimise both terrorist and unintentional threats to food
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published guidance to help national governments minimise terrorist threats to food by integrating the mechanisms which manage outbreaks of both unintentional and deliberate foodborne diseases and contamination (1,2). The need for guidance was raised during the 55th World Health Assembly in May 2002, and Terrorist threats to food: guidance for establishing and strengthening prevention and response systems (www.who.int/fsf) is a response to recent increasing concern worldwide about the possible use of chemical, biological or radionuclear (CBRN) agents against civilian populations.
New guidelines on hepatitis in correctional settings in the United States
Authors: Gilbert R
Published: October 2017

The report on The Prevention and Control of Infections with Hepatitis Viruses in Correctional Settings (1) consolidates recommendations for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis in prisons. It was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States (US) after consultation with federal agencies and specialists in the fields of corrections, correctional health care and public health at a meeting in Atlanta in March 2001.
Eight questions consumers should ask about the threat of mad cow disease, according to WHO
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a new document (http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/bse/BSEthreat.pdf) to assist governments, consumers associations, and other concerned organisations to protect people from the dangers of consuming beef infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) (1,2).
Ebola haemorrhagic fever in the Republic of Congo
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

A total of 73 suspected cases and 59 deaths from Ebola haemorrhagic fever have been reported in the districts of Mbomo and Kellé in the Cuvette Ouest Region of the Republic of the Congo as of 18 February (1).
The rate of smallpox vaccine-associated adverse events in the United States, and smallpox preparedness activities by the Netherlands, Germany, and WHO
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments in the United States are conducting ongoing surveillance for adverse effects due to smallpox vaccine during the civilian smallpox vaccination programme (1). Out of 4213 civilian healthcare workers vaccinated between 24 January and 14 February 2003, no potentially life threatening or moderate to severe adverse events have been reported. Seven vaccine recipients were reported to have non-serious adverse events. The most common signs and symptoms were fever (n=two), rash (n=two), malaise (n=two), pruritis (n=two), hypertension (n=two), and pharyngitis (n=two) (Table).
SARS: the situation in France - 3 April
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Since an epidemic alert was released in France on 13 March (1), 216 people with symptoms of respiratory infection returning from Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, or Singapore were notified to the national Public Health Institute (Institut de veille sanitaire, InVS) (2). Of these, 201 were excluded after clinical, radiological, biological, and epidemiological evaluation of their compatibility with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
First meeting of the European Surveillance of STIs (ESSTI) network collaborative group
Authors: Lowndes C  M , Fenton K. A. , Cooper J
Published: October 2017

The ESSTI (European Surveillance of Sexually Transmitted Infections) network, funded since December 2001 by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection (DG SANCO, http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/health_consumer/index_en.htm), held its first collaborative group meeting at the Health Protection Agency Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC) in the United Kingdom, on 18-19 March 2003. The meeting was preceded by a one day European conference on syphilis outbreaks (advances in surveillance, diagnosis and management), also at CDSC, at which several European collaborators gave presentations on recent national syphilis outbreaks.
Index of SARS guidance produced by designated authorities in the European Union and elsewhere
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

The Eurosurveillance editorial team has added a special page to the website which lists guidance and resources on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) from government ministries of health and other designated authorities, in the European Union and elsewhere.
DIPNET: the European diphtheria surveillance network
Authors: de Benoist A  C , Crowcroft N , White J , Kelly C , Efstratiou A
Published: October 2017

The second DIPNET network steering committee meeting was held at the Istituto Superiore di Sanità in Rome on 13-14 February 2003.
Laboratory investigations into the aetiological agent of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
Authors: Bermingham A , Stockton Joanne , Ellis J
Published: October 2017

On 17 March 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) established a multicentre network of leading laboratories from 10 countries, to research the aetiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and to develop a robust and reliable diagnostic test. The methods utilised and the results of the network member laboratories have been shared on a secure web site and via frequent teleconferences, enabling investigative approaches for detecting the causative agent of SARS to be continually refined and to develop a diagnostic assay. Initial microbiological investigations aimed to detect a range of viral and bacterial agents known to cause atypical pneumonia. The methodologies employed included electron microscopy (EM), immunofluorescent antibody tests (IFA), viral and bacterial cultures, and a range of molecular based assays.
Council of European Union adopt conclusions on SARS
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

At an extraordinary meeting of the council of the European Union on 6 May, the council endorsed the orientations for immediate and future actions for SARS epidemic control in Europe (http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/ph_threats/com/sars/council_sars_en.pdf).
Syphilis outbreak in Northern Ireland
Authors: Lynch A , Smyth B
Published: October 2017

The re-emergence of syphilis has been documented in a series of recent outbreaks throughout Europe.
Guidelines for reducing legionella risk associated with using spa baths from the UK Health and Safety Executive
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The Health and Safety Executive in the United Kingdom
The new face of rabies in Spain: infection through insectivorous bats, 1987-2002
Authors: Sánchez Serrano L. P. , Abellán García C ,   O Díaz García
Published: October 2017

The latest cases of endemic terrestrial rabies in Spain, both in humans and animals, appeared in the 1960s
WHO announces worldwide containment of SARS
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Taiwan, the last country remaining on the World Health Organization
Outbreak of plague in Algeria
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

As of 2 July, the Ministry of Health in Algeria
Genital herpes simplex, genital chlamydia, and gonorrhoea infection in Scotland: laboratory confirmations 1992-2002
Authors: Roy Kirsty , Wadd S
Published: October 2017

A report published in the SCIEH Weekly Report
Political enquiry into communicable disease in England highlights the importance of international engagement
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Health protection in England and Wales has undergone complete reorganisation on 1 April 2003
Changes in the statutory notification system for communicable disease in Norway
Authors: Aavitsland P , Blystad H
Published: October 2017

A new, revised statutory notification system came into force in Norway on 1 July 2003 (1). This is the third major revision since the Norwegian Surveillance System for Communicable Diseases (Meldingssystem for smittsomme sykdommer, MSIS) was implemented nationwide in 1975.
Rabies in a puppy in Nyon, Switzerland
Authors: Zanoni R ,   U Breitenmoser
Published: October 2017

In May 2003, an abandoned puppy of unknown origin
Outbreak of tularaemia in Sweden, July-August 2003
Authors: Penttinen P , Giesecke J
Published: October 2017

Between 1 July and 11 August, 109 cases of tularaemia (Francisella tularensis var holarctica) were notified to the Swedish Institute of Infectious Diseases
Increase in Salmonella Enteritidis outbreaks in England and Wales
Authors: O'Brien S , Ward L. R. , Little C , Surman Susanne
Published: October 2017

Twenty two outbreaks of Salmonella Enteritidis in England and Wales
Legionnaires' disease associated with a cruise liner - Germany
Authors: Joseph C
Published: October 2017

Three confirmed cases of legionnaires' disease, one of which was in a patient who has died
Salmonella Montevideo in sesame seed-based products imported into Australia and New Zealand may have implications for Europe and elsewhere
Authors: Unicomb L , Kirk M , Hogg G , Jelfs P , Simmons Greg , Gregory J , Nicol C , Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

Since November 2002 Salmonella Montevideo has been detected in three food products imported into Australia
Danish study does not support hypothesis of association between thiomersal and autism
Authors: Madsen K , Andersen P
Published: October 2017

A new Danish study does not support the hypothesis that there may be an association between thiomersal, a vaccine preservative that contains ethyl mercury, and neurodevelopmental outcomes, including autism
Incidence of STIs continues to rise in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Cronin M , Domegan L
Published: October 2017

The NDSC has published the Annual STI Report 2001, which reports that the total number of notified STIs increased by 9.4% from 2000 to 2001
Low but increasing levels of influenza activity in Europe: an update from EISS, week 43
Authors: Paget W J , Fleming D M , Meijer A , Samuelsson S , Schweiger B
Published: October 2017

In the week ending 26 October 2003, Scotland reported local influenza activity
Publication of results of 9-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine trial in South Africa
Authors: Pebody R G , Nohynek H
Published: October 2017

A recently published paper presented the results of a 9-valent conjugate pneumococcal (Pnc) vaccine trial undertaken in Soweto, South Africa
Meningococcal meningitis increase in Moscow associated with serogroup A: advice to travellers
Authors: Lawrence J , Handford S
Published: October 2017

There has been a rise in the number of cases of meningococcal meningitis in Moscow
Progress on the establishment of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
Authors: Von Holstein I
Published: October 2017

Health ministers announced this week that they had made real progress towards the establishment of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
Recent rise in bacterial tracheitis hospital admissions in children in Northern Ireland
Authors: Danis K , Smyth B , Taylor B , Coyle P
Published: October 2017

During October 2003, a rise in admissions of bacterial tracheitis to the sole regional paediatric intensive care unit
EU member states encouraged to inventory labs holding live SARS CoV
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The second of two technical guidance documents
New egg marketing measures: EC Council Regulation adopted
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

All class A eggs sold in the EU must have their shells stamped with a distinguishing code from 1 January 2004
Hospitals in Europe Link for Infection Control through Surveillance (HELICS)
Authors: Wilson J
Published: October 2017

Infections acquired in hospitals are recognised to be associated with significant morbidity, resulting in extended length of hospital stay, pain, discomfort and sometimes prolonged or permanent disability
ResiNet – a nationwide German sentinel study for surveillance and analysis of antimicrobial resistance in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Kist M , Glocker E
Published: October 2017

About 30% of the German population (20 to 30 million people) are currently infected with Helicobacter pylori. In about four to six million of these people, the infection will lead to complications
Public Health Programme 2003-2008: 2004 work plan and call for proposals published
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The European Commission last week published the Work Plan 2004 for
Increase in reported HIV infection among MSM in Oslo, Norway
Authors:   H Blystad,   O Nilsen,   P Aavitsland
Published: October 2017

An increase in the number of newly diagnosed HIV infections among men who have sex with men
Trends in registered HIV/AIDS cases in the Netherlands: rising number of immigrants with HIV
Authors:   E Op de Coul,   I van Valkengoed,   A van Sighem,   F de Wolf,   M van de Laar
Published: October 2017

The HIV epidemic in the Netherlands is changing as a result of increasing life expectancy due to the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) since 1996, and a shift from homosexual to heterosexual transmission that is associated with rising numbers of HIV infected immigrants.
WHO global report on antituberculosis drug resistance: Eastern Europe and Central Asia key areas
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The prevalence of multidrug resistant TB is exceptionally high in all the former countries of the Soviet Union surveyed by the World Health Organization
European Network on Drugs and Infection Prevention in Prison (ENDIPP)
Authors: Weilandt C
Published: October 2017

The European Network on Drugs and Infection Prevention in Prison (ENDIPP) is one of the new projects funded through the European Commission's Public Health Programme
Azithromycin failures in the treatment of syphilis in the United States
Authors: Simms I , French P , Fenton K. A.
Published: October 2017

Since the late 1990s there has been a dramatic change in the incidence of infectious syphilis in many western industrialised countries and outbreaks have been seen in major cities in Europe, North America and Australia
ECDC is adopted after Council of Ministers agree to Commission’s proposal
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The European Commission yesterday announced that the text of the legislation to establish the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has been adopted, after the Council of Ministers formally agreed the Commission’s proposal for its creation
Outbreak of influenza A (H7) in poultry Canada – two human cases notified to WHO
Authors: Goddard N L
Published: October 2017

Two human cases of influenza A (H7) in British Columbia, Canada, have been notified to the World Health Organization
Unusual type of scrapie detected in sheep in the United Kingdom
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Brain tissue samples from a sheep carcass in the United Kingdom (UK) have undergone tests which have detected a type of scrapie (a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) found in sheep and goats) that has not been previously detected
Regulation establishing the European Centre comes into force
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The European Parliament and Council have published a regulation, which comes into force today
Legionella infections from a private whirlpool in Sweden
Authors: de Jong B , Allestam G , Knauth S B
Published: October 2017

In mid-February, a middle aged Swedish man fell severely ill with legionellosis
SurvStat@RKI – a web-based solution to query surveillance data in Germany
Authors: Faensen D , Krause G
Published: October 2017

In Germany, since 2001, more than 50 infectious diseases or pathogens have been notifiable under the Infektionsschutzgesetz. Case based data are compiled at the Robert Koch Institute in a central database. By October 2003, this database held 860,000 case records and is currently growing by 300,000 cases per year.
Danish programme for control of Salmonella in poultry has resulted in fewer cases in both poultry and humans
Authors: Mølbak K
Published: October 2017

The Danish national Salmonella control programme, launched in December 1996, was reviewed in March 2003. The control programme was designed to be a ‘top-down’ effort based on an elimination strategy, whereby infected poultry flocks were eradicated by compulsory slaughter
Emergence of Panton-Valentine leukocidin positive community-acquired MRSA infections in Belgium
Authors: Denis O , Malaviolle X , Titeca G , Struelens M J , Garrino M G , Glupczynski Y , Etienne J
Published: October 2017

The worldwide emergence of community-acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections caused by hypervirulent strains producing Panton-Valentine leukocidin is a cause for considerable concern
Development of a vaccine for humans against highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
Authors: Wood J  M , Robertson James  S
Published: October 2017

In the past eight years there have been three pandemic 'false alarms' caused by avian H5N1 viruses. The first of these in 1997 was a turning point in our understanding of the difficulties of vaccine development from a lethal avian virus.
Tickborne encephalitis in Latvia
Authors: Lucenko I , Jansone I , Velicko Inga , Pujate E
Published: October 2017

TBE has been notifiable in Latvia since 1955.
Pertussis incidence in the Netherlands after introduction of an acellular booster vaccination at 4 years of age
Authors: de Greeff S , Schellekens J. F.P , Mooi F , de Melker H
Published: October 2017

In 1996-1997 different surveillance sources revealed an outbreak of pertussis, mostly in vaccinated children, in the Netherlands
Panton-Valentine leukocidin positive community-acquired MRSA infection in Japan
Authors: Yamamoto T
Published: October 2017

In mid-June, Japanese media reported that a virulent strain of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA)
Rate of increase in diagnoses of some sexually transmitted infections in England, Wales and Northern Ireland may be slowing
Authors: Simms I , Lowndes C M , Fenton K. A.
Published: October 2017

Diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections in England, Wales and Northern Ireland increased by 4% in 2003 compared with 2002
Irish Food Safety Authority produces comprehensive information pack for new food businesses
Authors:   E Conway
Published: October 2017

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has produced a comprehensive information pack on food hygiene and legislation for people who want to start up new food businesses.
European Surveillance of Sexually Transmitted Infections (ESSTI) network launches website
Authors:   K Fenton
Published: October 2017

The European Surveillance of Sexually Transmitted Infections (ESSTI) network has this week launched its new website
Norovirus outbreak at an international scout jamboree in the Netherlands, July-August 2004: international alert
Authors:   E Duizer,   A Timen,   G Morroy,   A M de Roda Husman
Published: October 2017

A norovirus outbreak at an international scout summer camp in the Netherlands has affected approximately 250 people
HIV post-exposure prophylaxis management: Results of a survey of medical institutions in German-speaking Switzerland in 2000
Authors: Colombo C , Ruef C
Published: October 2017

A survey of hospital management plans concerning the occurrence of occupational exposure to bloodborne infections (above all, HIV) in German-speaking Switzerland was carried out by the Swiss national reference centre for bloodborne infections in Zurich, in 2000
Human and animal exposure to a rabid dog illegally imported into France, August 2004
Authors:   A Mailles,   H Bourhy,   H de Valk,   L Dacheux,   V Servas,   I Capek,   J-C Desenclos
Published: October 2017

On 26 August 2004, the National Reference Centre for Rabies at the Pasteur Institute confirmed the diagnosis of rabies in a dog in the city of Bordeaux in southwest France
Community outbreak of legionellosis in Sweden, August-September 2004
Authors:   B de Jong,   N Svensson
Published: October 2017

Fourteen people have become ill with confirmed legionella infections between 10 August and 6 September. One patient, an elderly man, has died. All patients either live in the city of Lidköping, Sweden, or had visited the city.
Alcohol hand gel: latest attempts in England and Wales to tackle MRSA infections
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The National Patient Safety Agency in England and Wales has recommended that hand disinfectant gel dispensers are placed near all acute hospital beds in the country to remind staff to clean their hands after patient contact.
New norovirus surveillance system in Sweden
Authors: Martin S , Andersson Y , Hedlund K  O , Giesecke J
Published: October 2017

Norovirus is recognised as a leading cause of gastroenteritis. During the 2002-2003 winter season, a marked but unquantified increase in cases and outbreaks of gastroenteritis associated with norovirus was noted in Sweden
Legionella pneumophila genome sequenced
Authors:   N Fry
Published: October 2017

The entire genome of the intracellular pathogenic bacterium Legionella pneumophila has been sequenced according to a recently published report. This species is one of 49 species belonging to the Legionella genus and is the most frequent cause of legionella infection in humans
WHO investigate possible human-to-human transmission of H5N1 in Thailand, amid calls for major investment to combat avian influenza
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Two new human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) infection in Thailand have been confirmed by the World Health Organization. The two cases were in a 26 year old woman who has died, and her 32 year old sister who has been admitted to hospital. They are part of a family cluster being investigated to determine whether human-to-human transmission has occurred.
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infections traced to raw carrots in Finland
Authors: Takkinen J , Kangas S , Hakkinen M , Nakari U  M , Henttonen H , Siitonen A , Kuusi M
Published: October 2017

In March 2004, the number of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis notifications increased suddenly in Finland compared to previous months. Overall, 125 cases were notified to the National Infectious Diseases Register between 1 January and 31 July 2004
West Nile outbreak in horses in Southern France: September 2004
Authors: Zeller H , Zientara S , Hars J ,   J Languille,   A Mailles,   H Tolou,   M-C Paty,   F Schaffner,   A Armengaud,   P Gaillan,   J-F Legras,   P Hendrix
Published: October 2017

On 28 August 2004 (week 35), two suspected clinical cases of West Nile virus infection in horses were identified by veterinarians in Saintes-Maries de la Mer, in the Camargue region of southeastern France
Pertussis vaccine schedules across Europe
Authors: Salmaso S , Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

In August 2004, the United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service announced the introduction of a new five-combination vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Hib in the infant vaccination schedule: 2, 3 and 4 months (DTaP/IPV/Hib)
Chlamydia incidence in young people in England: results from a widespread screening programme
Authors: LaMontagne D  S , Fenton K. A. , Randall Sarah , Anderson S , Carter P
Published: October 2017

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in England, and is also common in many European countries
HIV prevalence in women and childhood survival: the challenge of prevention in Africa
Authors: Blackham J
Published: October 2017

Globally, women now account for 50% of those infected with HIV.
Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in the United Kingdom: update
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

To the end of September 2004, 149 people in the United Kingdom have been clinically diagnosed with variant Creutzfeld-Jakob disease
Eagles testing positive for H5N1 imported illegally into Europe from Thailand
Authors: Suetens C , Snacken R , Hanquet G , Brochier B , Maes S , Thomas I , Yane F , van den Berg T , Van Borm S ,   B Lambrecht
Published: October 2017

On 18 October 2004, a Thai man travelling from Bangkok to Brussels was apprehended by customs officials at Brussels international airport, and found to be illegally carrying two mountain hawk eagles (Spizaetus Nipalensis) in his hand luggage
Panton-Valentine leukocidin producing strains associated with serious community acquired S. aureus infection in Ireland
Authors: O'Gorman J , Cormican M
Published: October 2017

Three patients in Ireland have been confirmed as having been infected with Panton-Valentine leukocidin-producing community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus (PVL+ MSSA).
World AIDS Day: 40 million with HIV
Authors:   S Dougan
Published: October 2017

The number of people living with HIV globally continues to increase, with an estimated 39.4 million adults and children infected as of the end of 2004, according to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and the World Health Organization
Change in prophylaxis recommendations in response to falciparum malaria in travellers to the Dominican Republic
Authors: Lawrence J , Stark K
Published: October 2017

There has been a recent increase in the number of cases of potentially fatal Plasmodium falciparum malaria reported in North American and European travellers to the Dominican Republic
Proposed new International Health Regulations 2005– validation of a decision instrument (algorithm)
Authors: Morris J , Ward D , Nicoll A
Published: October 2017

The International Health Regulations are the official legal instrument that aims to prevent international spread of infectious diseases whilst not interfering unnecessarily with the movements of people or goods
Increase in STIs in the Netherlands slowed in 2003
Authors: van de Laar M J W , op de Coul E. L.M.
Published: October 2017

The increasing trend in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the Netherlands observed over the past few years, appeared to stabilise in 2003. The number of genital chlamydial cases remained stable and the number of gonorrhoea cases decreased
Overview of incoming changes to European food safety and hygiene legislation
Authors: Elson R
Published: October 2017

Over the next two years, a number of legislative requirements and changes are being introduced across Europe that aim to improve food safety and hygiene
ECDC director chosen at second management board meeting
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

At its second meeting in Stockholm on 13-14 December, the management board of the new ECDC has nominated Mrs Zsuzsanna Jakab as director of the Centre
EU drugs agency publication on hepatitis C and injecting drug use looks at impact, costs and policy options
Authors:   V Hope,   F Ncube
Published: October 2017

The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, the EU drugs agency, has recently published its latest scientific monograph, Hepatitis C and injecting drug use: impact, costs and policy options
Hib vaccination: recent paper from Finland suggests that a prolonged three dose schedule offers effective protection against disease
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

A recent study in Finland concluded that two vaccine doses in early infancy, followed by a late booster, are efficacious in protecting children from Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection, and will practically eliminate Hib meningitis
Influenza A outbreak in a community hospital in south east Wales, February 2005
Authors: Carnicer-Pont D , White D , Pike C , Lyons M
Published: October 2017

On the morning of 1 February 2005, a local infection control team in south east Wales were notified of 13 patients and 5 health care workers with fever and respiratory symptoms on an orthopaedic convalescent ward of a community hospital
Rates of new HIV diagnoses in Switzerland remain high but no longer rising
Authors: Gebhardt M
Published: October 2017

In 2002, Swiss HIV diagnostic laboratories reported 25% more positive HIV test results than in 2001 – a rise from 632 in 2001 to 792 in 2002
Emergence of CTX-M extended spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in Belgium
Authors: Rodriguez-Villalobos Hector , Malaviolle V , Frankard J , De Mendonça R , Nonhoff C , Deplano A , Byl B , Struelens M J
Published: October 2017

Infections due to ß-lactam resistant E. coli strains that produce extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBL) of the CTX-M family are emerging in European countries such as the United Kingdom and Spain
Outpatient consumption of antibiotics is linked to antibiotic resistance in Europe: results from the European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption
Authors: Johnson A
Published: October 2017

There is increasing recognition that antibiotic consumption provides a major selective pressure for the emergence and persistence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. In 2001, a European Union Council Recommendation stated that data should be gathered on antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance in European countries
Hepatitis B in northwest Russia and the Nordic and Baltic countries: recent trends and prevention activities
Authors: Blystad H , Blad L , Tulisov A , Aavitsland P
Published: October 2017

Hepatitis B is a notifiable disease in all the Baltic and Nordic countries, and in northwest Russia. Iceland and Estonia, however, do not have systems to separate acute infections from a chronic carrier state
Increased cooperation needed between law enforcement and public health to prepare for a bioterrorist attack
Authors: Thinus G , Werner A , Wallyn S , van Loock F , Garcia Hainz J , Garcia A , Bischop L
Published: October 2017

At the first Interpol global conference in March 2005, the international police agency invited 500 international experts and delegates to discuss the risk of bioterrorist attacks, how to prepare for such an event
Outbreak of norovirus infection associated with the consumption of frozen raspberries, France, March 2005
Authors: Cotterelle B , Drougard C , Rolland Jacqueline , Becamel M , Boudon M , Pinede S , Traoré O , Balay K , Pothier P , Espié E
Published: October 2017

An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness in students who ate in a secondary school canteen in the administrative département of Haute-Loire, central France was reported to the local health authorities on 23 March 2005
Trends in rabies post-exposure prophylaxis given in Slovenia
Authors: Stantic-Pavlinic Mirjana , Jenko I
Published: October 2017

Between 1992 and 2002, rabies post-exposure prophylaxis was given to 86 Slovenian travellers returning from abroad and 2011 people potentially exposed in Slovenia. During this time, there was a significant increase in prophylaxis given to returning international travellers
Rubella outbreak in an unvaccinated religious community in the Netherlands spreads to Canada
Authors: Hahné S , Macey J , Tipples G , Varughese Paul , King A , van Binnendijk R , Ruijs Helma , van Steenbergen J , Timen A , van Loon A. M. , de Melker H
Published: October 2017

There are indications that the rubella outbreak that started in September 2004 among members of a religious community in the Netherlands has spread to Canada
Unlinked anonymous testing indicates antenatal HIV testing in England and Scotland is being successfully implemented
Authors: Goldberg D , Logan L
Published: October 2017

If HIV infection is detected before or during pregnancy, interventions such as antiretroviral therapy, caesarean section delivery and avoiding breastfeeding have meant that HIV transmission rates from mother to baby can be reduced from around 25% to 1%
Enhanced surveillance of haemolytic uraemic syndrome and other thrombotic microangiopathies in Scotland, 2003-2004
Authors: Pollock Kevin
Published: October 2017

Previous surveillance of childhood haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) in Scotland has identified Escherichia coli O157 in over 90% of cases, and infection with E. coli O157 is now reported to be one of the major causes of acute renal failure in children
Outbreak of shigellosis in Irish holidaymakers associated with travel to Egypt
Authors: McKeown P , O'Connor M , McDonnell G , Di Renzi M , Foley B , Garvey P , McNamara E , Codd S , Cosgove C , de la Harpe D
Published: October 2017

An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness associated with travel to Egypt is being investigated in Ireland. An aeroplane arrived in Dublin on 1 June 2005, carrying holidaymakers returning from Luxor in Egypt
Council of the European Union publishes action list for Commission and member states to continue to fight HIV/AIDS in Europe and beyond
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

A new document reaffirming the European Union (EU)’s commitment to tackling HIV/AIDS in Europe and Central Asia was published by the Council of the European Union on 6 June
First isolation of vaccine-derived poliovirus in Slovakia
Authors: Maderova E , Sláciková Margaréta , Cernáková B , Sobotová Zdenka , Nadová K
Published: October 2017

In April 2003, a vaccine-derived poliovirus Sabin 2 (VDPV) was isolated from sewage water in Vrakuna, a Bratislava city district in western Slovakia
Increased hantavirus infections in Luxembourg, August 2005
Authors: Schneider F , Mossong J
Published: October 2017

The larger than usual increase in hantavirus infections in France, Belgium and Germany in 2005 that was recently reported is also being observed in Luxembourg, which is surrounded by these three countries
Preparations for implementing human papillomavirus vaccination should begin
Authors: Lehtinen M
Published: October 2017

At a World Health Organization meeting, the latest developments in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination were discussed. The leading theme that emerged was how to implement within national programmes the concept of vaccinating adolescents both against a common sexually transmitted infection
European Union bird importation bans in response to outbreaks of avian influenza in the region
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

The European Commission has banned the import of live birds into the European Union (EU) from outside countries.
Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 outbreak linked to imported minced beef, Norway, October – November 2005
Authors: Isakbaeva E , Lindstedt B A , Schimmer B , Vardund T , Stavnes T  L , Hauge K , Gondrosen B , Blystad H , Kløvstad H , Aavitsland P , Nygård K , Kapperud G
Published: October 2017

On 3 November 2005, four cases of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium DT 104 infections were notified to the Infectious Disease Epidemiology Department by the Reference Laboratory of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. The four isolates had identical multilocus VNTR analysis
Public consultation on strategies for improving patient safety by prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

The European Commission is inviting all professionals and stakeholders concerned with prevention of healthcare-associated infections
New rotavirus vaccines protect against diarrhoea in children
Authors: Williams C  J
Published: October 2017

Rotavirus is the leading cause of diarrhoea in young children worldwide, and is responsible for over half a million deaths and 2 million hospitalisations each year
HIV and AIDS in the United Kingdom African communities: guidelines produced for prevention and care
Authors: Elam G , De Souza-Thomas L , Ward H
Published: October 2017

In the United Kingdom (UK) Africans and gay men are the two largest social groups affected by HIV.
Seven human cases of H5N1 infection confirmed in Azerbaijan, and one case in Egypt
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

Seven human cases of infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in Azerbaijan have now been confirmed
Measles outbreak in the Øresund region of Denmark and Sweden
Authors: Muscat M , Christiansen A  H , Persson K , Plesner A  M , Böttiger B  E , Glismann S , Romanus V
Published: October 2017

Since late January, 18 laboratory confirmed cases of measles have been reported in the Scandinavian region of Øresund; nine in Denmark and nine in Sweden.
Flooding in Europe: a brief review of the health risks
Authors: Vasconcelos P , Unit for Preparedness and Response Collective
Published: October 2017

In the light of current flooding events in Bulgaria, Serbia and Romania
Preparations for infectious disease surveillance during the football World Cup tournament, Germany 2006
Authors: Josephsen J , Schenkel K , Benzler J , Krause G
Published: October 2017

Germany will be hosting the upcoming 2006 Football World Cup, scheduled to take place from June 9 to July 9. The games are expected to draw 3.2 million fans from within Germany, as well as many other countries.
Limitations of recently published review of national influenza pandemic plans in Europe
Authors: Nicoll A , Kaiser R
Published: October 2017

The influenza pandemic preparedness plans for 21 of 29 European countries, published between January 2002 and November 2005, were recently reviewed and compared against a series of attributes based on the 2005 checklist produced by the World Health Organization
HIV transmission in part of the US prison system: implications for Europe
Authors: Testa A  C , Weilandt C , Ncube F , Gill O  N
Published: October 2017

A study in the United States has shown that HIV transmission has been occurring within the prison system in the state of Georgia.
Importation of falciparum malaria from Thailand: should current recommendations for chemoprophylaxis be adapted?
Authors: Jelinek T
Published: October 2017

On 29 March 2006 a 36 year old German woman died of falciparum malaria in Berlin. She had returned to Germany from a six month visit to Thailand
Evidence of a new human genotype susceptible to variant CJD
Authors: Ward H  J T
Published: October 2017

There is now evidence that a new human genotype is susceptible to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
Negligible risk of H5N1 infection from bathing and drinking water in Europe: ECDC risk assessment
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

People who bathe in water in areas of Europe where birds have been tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 are at negligible risk of infection with that virus, according to a risk assessment carried out by experts
Avian influenza in Denmark, March-June 2006: public health aspects
Authors: Mølbak K , Trykker H , Mellergaard S , Glismann S
Published: October 2017

The identification and management of H5N1 avian influenza in Denmark in 2006 has been facilitated by close collaboration
Wound infections due to Vibrio cholerae in Sweden after swimming in the Baltic Sea, summer 2006
Authors: Andersson Y , Ekdahl K
Published: October 2017

In recent weeks, three people in Blekinge County in southeast Sweden were reported to have developed mild to severe wound
Universal childhood immunisation with pneumococcal vaccine and meningococcal serogroup C vaccine introduced in Germany
Authors: Wiese-Posselt M , Hellenbrand W , Siedler A , Mayer C
Published: October 2017

In July 2006, vaccination against meningococcal C and pneumococcal disease was added to the routine childhood immunisation programme in Germany
Human H5N1 vaccines – WHO produces guidance on virus composition
Authors: Influenza team (ECDC) Collective , Vaccine Preventable Disease Team Collective
Published: October 2017

A number of pharmaceutical companies have reported that they are developing human H5N1 based influenza vaccines. Some European national authorities are considering stockpiling these
Extensive drug-resistant TB: a threat for Europe?
Authors: Manissero D , Fernandez de la Hoz K
Published: October 2017

An outbreak of a strain of extensive drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) was reported recently
Outbreak of enteroviral meningitis in Latvia, August – October 2006
Authors: Perevoščikovs J , Lucenko I , Nikiforova R
Published: October 2017

Since August 2006, there has been a rapid increase in clinical cases of aseptic meningitis due to enterovirus in several areas of eastern Latvia. By 27 September, 258 cases had been registered in the two regions of Rezekne and Daugavpils.
Outbreak of legionellosis suspected to be related to a whirlpool spa display, September 2006, Lorquin, France
Authors: Alsibai S , Bilo de Bernardi P , Janin C , Che D , Investigation team Collective , Lee J. V.
Published: October 2017

Twelve cases of legionellosis in the small town of Lorquin, district of Moselle, northeast France, were identified by the local health authority in charge of legionellosis surveillance in September 2006.
No link established between deaths in elderly patients in Israel and influenza vaccination
Authors: Influenza team (ECDC) Collective
Published: October 2017

Four sudden deaths in men aged between 50 and 75 years with underlying cardiac conditions were reported to public health authorities in Israel over a period of six days between 15 and 21 October 2006.
Impact of a genetic variant of Chlamydia trachomatis on national detection rates in Sweden
Authors: Söderblom T , Blaxhult A , Fredlund H , Herrmann B
Published: October 2017

In the Swedish county of Halland, it was recently reported that a proportion of sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis infections could not be detected using standard laboratory tests manufactured by Abbott and Roche
Outbreak of legionnaires’ disease among tourists staying at a hotel in Phuket, Thailand
Authors: Payne L , Andersson Y , Ledet Muller L , Blystad H , Nguyen Tran Minh Nhu , Ruutu P , Joseph C , Ricketts K
Published: October 2017

Four cases of legionnaires’ disease have recently been reported in one Norwegian, one Finn and two people from Sweden. These patients were all among guests staying at a hotel in Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand since 20 November 2006.
Fourth case of transfusion-associated vCJD infection in the United Kingdom
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

A case of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) has recently been diagnosed in a patient in the United Kingdom (UK), who received a blood transfusion from a donor who later developed vCJD. This is the fourth case of probable transfusion transmission of vCJD infection in the UK. Three of the four recipients developed symptoms of vCJD.