bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence trends and short term predictions for variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in the United Kingdom – update
Authors: Andrews N J
Published: October 2017

By the end of June 2002, a total of 124 cases of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) had been reported in the United Kingdom (http://www.doh.gov.uk/cjd/stats/jul02.htm). In order to monitor the underlying trend in vCJD incidence, quarterly analyses that estimate the underlying trend are performed. The models fitted to the data enable short term predictions for the expected number of deaths in the next year, as well as an estimate of the total number of individuals with symptom onset who are yet to be identified.
Pneumococcal serotypes in Europe: results of a surveillance report for 1999
Authors: Hoile E
Published: October 2017

A total of 4795 pneumococcal isolates from nine European countries and Israel were reported to a European surveillance project on pneumococcal serotypes for 1999 (1). The aim of the surveillance was not to describe the incidence of pneumococcal infection, but to monitor pneumococcal serotypes. Considerable variation was found in country and age distribution.
Improving surveillance of varicella in Europe in response to increasing availability of varicella vaccine
Authors: Edmunds J
Published: October 2017

Last week, the United Kingdom received its first licensed varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. Despite the availability of the new vaccine there are currently no plans to introduce it into the routine immunisation schedule in the UK (currently the vaccine is licensed only for susceptible individuals over the age of 12 years and younger individuals who may be in contact with high risk patients). Indeed, European countries have been slow to introduce widespread chickenpox vaccination, despite the apparent success of the programme in reducing chickenpox incidence in the United States (1). This may be due to a lack of perceived need for chickenpox vaccine among parents and healthcare professionals as observed in Canada, along with concerns regarding the safety of the vaccine when used in routine programmes (2). There are two safety concerns: first, that an inadequate chickenpox vaccination programme will lead to an increase in adult cases (which are generally more severe); and second, that vaccination will lead to an increase in zoster (shingles) in the medium term. What is the basis for these concerns and what surveillance data are available from countries that have introduced the vaccine (notably the US) that may shed light on these issues?
Towards a standard HIV post exposure prophylaxis for healthcare workers in Europe
Authors: Thomas T , Puro V
Published: October 2017

The transmission of HIV from patient to healthcare worker in an occupational setting was first documented in 1984 (1). In countries that have surveillance and HIV testing systems to recognise occupationally acquired cases, over 100 cases of HIV transmission after an occupational exposure were reported worldwide up to June 1999 (2). Antiretroviral drugs are used for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and zidovudine alone is said to reduce transmission of HIV by 81% (3), but failures of PEP have been documented (4). The European Commission has recently funded a project to develop guidelines for the standardised management of occupational exposures to HIV/bloodborne infections and evaluation of PEP in Europe. The EuRoPEP (European Registry of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) project is coordinated by the Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive, Lazzaro Spallanzani, Rome, and involves a group of expert representatives from Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The group presented two abstracts at the XIV International AIDS Conference in Barcelona, Spain (7-12 July 2002, http://www.aids2002.com/). The first assessed current policies and practice for the management of occupational exposures and PEP (5); the second aimed to provide a set of recommendations based on a review of national management strategies as discussed during a consensus meeting (6), and copies are available on request: (irapep@inmi.it).
Food Micro 2002
Authors:   L Axelsson,   Viggo Hasseltvedt
Published: October 2017

'Friends and Foes' was the subject of Food Micro 2002, the 18th symposium of the International Committee on Food Microbiology and Hygiene (ICFMH), held in Lillehammer, Norway, from 18 to 23 August 2002. The conference highlighted the message that food associated micro-organisms can be our friends, as in fermented foods; or our enemies, as in spoilage or causing foodborne infections. MATFORSK, the Norwegian Food Research Institute (http://www.matforsk.no/), hosted the event in which over 300 scientists from the medical, veterinary, surveillance, epidemiological, and quality assurance of the food chain fields took part. Review articles for the symposium have been published in a special issue of International Journal of Food Microbiology (1).
Haemolytic uraemic syndrome, E. coli O157 infection, and antimicrobial therapy – clinical management in the face of scientific uncertainty
Authors: Mølbak K ,   P S Mead,   P M Griffin
Published: October 2017

The use of antimicrobial agents in the management of patients with E. coli O157 infection is controversial. Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC), including E. coli O157:H7, is an important cause of gastrointestinal illness. Infection typically presents as a diarrhoeal illness, often with bloody stools. In approximately 8% of patients with E. coli O157:H7, infection progresses to hemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS), a life threatening condition characterised by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and renal failure. HUS is also associated with VTEC belonging to other E. coli serogroups, although less common than in E. coli O157.
New chairs named at first meeting of European Food Safety Authority
Authors: Hoile E
Published: October 2017

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA, http://www.efsa.eu.int) (1,2, and references therein), held its inaugural management board meeting in Brussels on 18-19 September 2002. The meeting formally marked the establishment of the EFSA, and the chairman and two vice chairwomen were appointed. David Byrne, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, outlined the next stages needed to build up this authority, which will provide independent scientific advice on all matters that have a direct or indirect impact on food safety in Europe.
West Nile virus: spread to new regions, association with poliomyelitis-like syndrome and transmission through organ donation and blood transfusion
Authors: Hahné S ,   P Crook,   D Morgan,   A Nicoll
Published: October 2017

Over the summer of 2002, the incidence of human West Nile virus (WNV) infection in the United States (US) increased. Viral circulation and human disease is now reported by previously unaffected US states, as well as Canada. In addition, an association with a poliomyelitis-like syndrome and new modes of transmissions have been described. This report aims to summarise the above, and to discuss the European perspective.
Outbreak of legionnaires’ disease associated with visits to Belgium
Authors: Joseph C
Published: October 2017

Five cases of legionnaires’ disease have been reported in British people who all stayed at a hotel in Belgium in the ten days before onset of illness. All have been confirmed as L. pneumophila serogroup 1, one by culture of the organism and four by urinary antigen detection. The first case, who died, was a 63 year old man who became ill on 7 September 2002. He travelled with a small group of ten people, two of whom were reported to have had respiratory symptoms but were negative on testing for legionella infection. Three cases, one male and two female aged between 74 and 84 years were in a party of 46 people on a coach tour to Austria. They became ill between 21 and 24 September and two were hospitalised in France and one in England. The fifth case became ill on the 28 September and is also in hospital in France. This patient (female aged 65 years) was from a third group of 40 British tourists on another Austrian tour. All cases stayed only one night at the hotel in Belgium.
Outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis PT 14b in the United Kingdom
Authors:   S O'Brien,   I Fisher,   L Ward
Published: October 2017

Sixty eight confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis PT 14b (not known to be linked with foreign travel) have been reported to the Public Health Laboratory Service Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre in England (PHLS CDSC) by the PHLS Laboratory of Enteric Pathogens (LEP) since 26 September 2002. Of these the majority (45/68; 62%) were males. The age range of the cases is less than one year to 93 years (median 32 yrs; mean 34 yrs). Where dates of onset are available (n=18) the earliest onset was on 6 September and the latest so far reported is 24 September (figure). The majority of cases are from London and south east England. There is an outbreak in north Hampshire (south of England), which is being investigated locally. Four of nine cases in that outbreak have eaten food from a local café and, in addition, two people from outside the local area who were on holiday there have a link to the café. Trawling interviews are also being conducted of cases not linked with north Hampshire in order to generate hypotheses for the outbreak food vehicle.
Salmonella Enteritidis in England and Wales: increases in unusual phage types in 2002
Authors: O’Brien S , Ward L
Published: October 2017

Although Salmonella Enteritidis phage type (PT) 4, responsible for the major epidemic during the late 1980s and early 1990s (1), has continued to decline, there have been increases in a number of the more unusual phage types of S. Enteritidis (2). Isolates of S. Enteritidis PT 3, 6a, 13a and 14b and 21 confirmed by the Public Health Laboratory Service Laboratory of Enteric Pathogens (PHLS LEP) in England have all increased during 2002 (table 1) (3).
New guidelines for public health management of meningococcal disease
Authors: Hoile E
Published: October 2017

New, revised guidelines for the public health management of meningococcal disease have been published in the United Kingdom, as a result of recent changes in the epidemiology of meningococcal disease together with the introduction of new vaccines and an accumulation of new evidence on risk evaluation and control methods (1). The guidelines cover pre-admission management, investigation of suspect cases, the role of public health, public health action after a single case, prophylaxis in healthcare settings and the management of clusters. The guidance contains detailed revisions on the use of antibiotics before admission to hospital, the rationale and indications for chemoprophylaxis, and the use of new vaccines. All recommendations within the review are graded according to the level of evidence on which they are based, probably the first European guidelines to do so (2).
European centre for disease control: when and how, not if
Authors: Handysides S
Published: October 2017

The European Union is to set up a central resource to coordinate its communicable disease activities within the programme of Community action in the field of public health (1,2). A recent workshop held at the European Parliament discussed when and in what form rather than whether it should happen (3, 4). The new central resource will make communicable disease surveillance more visible than the 'network of networks' that has been in place for several years.
Cluster of wound botulism cases in injecting drug users in England - update
Authors: Horby P , Brown A , Brett M
Published: October 2017

Six suspected cases of wound botulism have been reported in England, following the public health alert issued on 30 October 2002 (1,2). All six cases are known to be in injecting drug users. To date, the number of suspected cases of wound botulism reported in 2002 in the United Kingdom is now known to be sixteen. Nine of these cases have been laboratory confirmed. Clostridium botulinum toxin type A was detected in seven cases, and toxin type B in two cases. Tests are continuing on two patients; two cases previously reported as suspected cases of wound botulism are now thought to be more compatible with other clinical diagnoses.
Upsurge in Salmonella Enteritidis outbreaks in England and Wales, September to November 2002
Authors: O'Brien S , Ward L , Mitchell R
Published: October 2017

The biggest change in the epidemiology of Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis in England and Wales since the emergence of S. Enteritidis phage type (PT) 4 in the 1980s has occurred during the autumn of 2002 (1,2). Since the beginning of September 2002, 19 outbreaks of S. Enteritidis have been reported to the Public Health Laboratory Service Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre in England (PHLS CDSC), compared with five during the same period in 2001. Almost 1000 people have been affected in these outbreaks, and there have been 10 deaths (all in people with underlying illnesses, and including one late death). Cases in three continuing outbreaks, affecting over 400 people, are distributed nationally. These are outbreaks of S. Enteritidis PT 14b (345 cases), S. Enteritidis PT 56 (31 cases) and S. Enteritidis PT 6d (resistant to ampicillin (Ampr)) (35 cases).
Further information in support of a selective smallpox vaccination policy
Authors:   R Harling
Published: October 2017

A number of countries are beginning to implement plans to offer smallpox vaccination to sub-groups of healthcare workers in advance of a deliberate release (1, 2). At the same time there have been calls for mass vaccination of the public, or vaccination of the public on a voluntary basis. In the United States (US), while concentrating on selective vaccination, the government has decided to make the vaccine ‘available to all’ from 2004 (3). The European Commission Taskforce on Bioterrorism (BICHAT) has commented that a number of complex issues and present uncertainties would make a one-to-one translation of the US plan to the European situation an unjustified oversimplification (4). A series of articles was published electronically ahead of print publication in the New England Journal of Medicine on 19 December 2002 and aims to provide informed guidance on the current public health question ‘whom should we be vaccinating?’ By highlighting the adverse consequences of a mass vaccination policy, the articles support current plans for selective smallpox vaccination, and provide physicians with information to help them educate their patients when the inevitable requests for vaccination are received.
Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in the United Kingdom in 2002
Authors: Molesworth A M
Published: October 2017

The end of 2002 has seen a total of 129 definitive or probable cases of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) reported in the United Kingdom (UK)[1]. Elsewhere numbers remain small, with 8 cases in Europe (6 in France, 1 in Italy, and 1 in the Republic of Ireland) and a further 2 cases in North America (Canada and the United States).
New issue of EpiNorth online (Vol 3, no 4)
Authors: Gundersen V R
Published: October 2017

The latest issue of EpiNorth (bulletin of the network for infectious disease control in the Barents and Baltic Sea Region) is now available online at www.epinorth.org
Large fall in new HIV diagnoses in Latvia in 2002
Authors:   I Dievberna, Upmace I , Seïakova Laura
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.
Lassa fever in a UK soldier recently returned from Sierra Leone - e-alert 10 February
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

A case of Lassa fever has been confirmed in a British soldier returned from Sierra Leone, West Africa, it is reported in a press release issued today by the Royal Free Hampstead Hospital in London (1). The man, who became ill on 30 January, is being cared for at a high security infectious diseases unit in London and is in a stable condition.
A case of human botulism in Denmark after consumption of garlic in chilli oil dressing produced in Germany
Authors: Krusell L , Lohse N
Published: October 2017

A healthy 38 year old male was taken ill with botulism after ingestion of approximately four cloves of garlic from a ready to eat garlic in chilli oil dressing. The product was manufactured in Germany for a major Danish supermarket chain, and was sold in Denmark only.
AIDSVAX trial disappointing
Authors: Harris J , Evans B
Published: October 2017

Trial results from AIDSVAX, the first AIDS vaccine to undergo phase III testing, were published this week and were disappointing. The overall efficacy of the vaccine was just 3.8% (1). The trial was conducted over three years and involved 5417 volunteers from the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Netherlands. Volunteers from high risk groups were given three vaccinations at three monthly intervals and a booster vaccination given every six months. The volunteers were split into two groups. One received a placebo and the other was given the vaccine. Twice the numbers of volunteers were vaccinated as those receiving the placebo. For those people who became HIV infected, over the three years, 5.7% were vaccinated and 5.8% received the placebo. The trial participants were counselled in safer sex and were told not to rely on the vaccine to prevent HIV transmission.
Dengue fever in Cairns, Australia
Authors: Lawrence J
Published: October 2017

Three locally acquired cases of dengue fever have been confirmed in Cairns, Australia. Dengue serotype 2 has been confirmed in one of the cases (Brian Montgomery, Scientific Officer, Tropical Public Health Unit, Queensland Heath, personal communication, 5 March 2003).
WHO initiates enhanced global surveillance in response to acute respiratory syndrome in southern China, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, special administrative region (SAR) of China
Authors: de Benoist A  C , Boccia D
Published: October 2017

In response to recent developments in southern China, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, the World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated global surveillance of cases with acute respiratory syndrome of unknown etiology (1) and provided the following case definition for hospital based surveillance:
At least five workers infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) during outbreak of avian influenza in poultry farms in Holland - update 14 March
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Earlier this month, an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in several Dutch poultry farms was reported. Extensive control measures to prevent spread to unaffected poultry farms have been implemented (1).
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome: international update
Authors: Horby P , Nicoll A
Published: October 2017

As of 2 April 2003, 2223 cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and 78 deaths have been reported to the World Health Organization (WHO), a case fatality rate of 3.5% (http://www.who.int/csr/sarscountry/2003_04_02/en/). This is an increase of four to fivefold in the global totals in the last seven days (http://www.who.int/csr/sarscountry/2003_03_25/en/) with the greatest proportionate and absolute increases being in China (Hong Kong and Guangdong Province), and to a much lesser extent in Canada. There has been little absolute rise in other country totals. Eighteen countries have now reported cases but in most of these no transmission seems to have occurred. Local transmission has occurred in Hanoi (Vietnam), Singapore, Toronto (Canada), Taiwan, and the following parts of China: Guangdong Province; Beijing; Shanxi; and the special administrative region of Hong Kong. In the United Kingdom three probable SARS cases have been reported; all have now recovered. Indeed, the only areas where WHO feels there is evidence consistent with current transmission are Hong Kong and Guangdong (http://www.who.int/csr/sarsarchive/2003_02_02b/en/), and the WHO has issued advice to international travellers not to travel to or through either area.
The Health Protection Agency takes over from the PHLS in England and Wales
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The new Health Protection Agency (www.hpa.org.uk) came into operation on 1 April in England and Wales. It draws together a range of existing organisations and staff working in the surveillance, control and research of communicable diseases, emergency planning, and chemical incident handling, including:
SARS update 11 April - Compelling evidence for aetiology, WHO team report from China, global epidemiology, and EU index and guidance
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Several articles on the identification of a novel coronavirus thought to have a role in causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) have been given early online publication this week (1-5), and the World Health Organization (WHO) has published an interim report from the WHO team of experts currently investigating the outbreak in China (7).
Introduction of surveillance of infections with Staphylococcus aureus containing the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin gene in the Netherlands
Authors: Tiemersma E , Wannet W J B , op de Coul E. L.M. , de Neeling A  J , van de Laar M J W
Published: October 2017

The National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in the Netherlands has begun surveillance of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains with the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) gene in the Netherlands. This PVL gene is known to produce a potent toxin causing severe skin infections and necrotising pneumonia in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. About 60% of PVL positive isolates in the Netherlands belonged to ‘cluster 28’, which is an epidemic strain in the European mainland, but which has not yet caused large outbreaks in the Netherlands.
Large increase in ciprofloxacin resistant gonorrhoea in England and Wales
Authors: Rudd Elizabeth , Fenton K. A.
Published: October 2017

Preliminary results from the 2002 collection of the Gonococcal Resistance to Antimicrobials Surveillance Programme (GRASP) (1, 2) show marked increases in resistance to ciprofloxacin in England and Wales. Between June and August 2002, consecutive gonococcal isolates from 26 genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics were systematically tested for antimicrobial susceptibility at one of two central reference laboratories. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of five antimicrobials were determined, including ciprofloxacin (range tested 0.002-0.125 mg/l,) extended to 32 mg/l as necessary). Clinical, demographic, and behavioural data were obtained for each patient included in the collection.
Netherlands to introduce routine HIV testing of pregnant women
Authors: Blommerde B
Published: October 2017

Beginning in January 2004, screening tests for HIV are to be offered to all pregnant women in the Netherlands on an 'opt-out' basis to prevent transmission of HIV from mother to child.
Avian influenza human death reported in the Netherlands
Authors: Crofts J
Published: October 2017

A human fatality has been reported from the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A H7N7, which has been ongoing in the Netherlands since the end of February and which has caused a standstill to that country’s poultry industry.
Vaccination catch-up campaign in response to recent increase in invasive Hib infection in the United Kingdom – implications for the rest of Europe?
Authors: Ramsay M E
Published: October 2017

A catch-up immunisation campaign against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is scheduled to commence in England and Wales in the second week of May (http://www.doh.gov.uk/cmo/letters/cmo0301.htm). This decision has been made in response to a recent increase in invasive infections due to this organism, with 145 cases of confirmed Hib disease reported in children under five in England and Wales last year. While this is still far lower than the 773 cases observed in this age group in 1990, before routine immunisation was implemented, it is a dramatic rise from the nadir of 22 in 1998 (1). To the end of 2001, surveillance in several European Union (EU) countries indicated that this experience was unique to the United Kingdom (UK) (http://www.phls.org.uk/inter/eu_ibis/aims.htm). A more recent report of a rise in cases in the Netherlands in 2002 is cause for concern (2).
Marked increase of positive HIV test results in Switzerland
Authors: Gebhardt M
Published: October 2017

Anonymous reporting of positive HIV test results by laboratories performing the confirmation of the result is compulsory in Switzerland. Such laboratories reported 792 positive HIV test results performed in 2002 to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, representing an increase of 25% over the previous year, and confirming the reversal of a declining trend observed during most of the last decade (1).
New edition of International Travel and Health from WHO, 2003
Authors: Lawrence J
Published: October 2017

The 2003 edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) publication International Travel and Health, has now been published. It is available online at www.who.int/ith, or can be ordered from http://bookorders.who.int.
Steady increase in HIV in the United Kingdom
Authors: Dougan S
Published: October 2017

From 1990 to 1998, new diagnoses of HIV infection in the United Kingdom (UK) averaged 2675 per year, most among homosexual men. In 1999, however, a rapid increase in numbers of new diagnoses began (figure 1). By the end of March this year there were 5338 reports of new HIV diagnoses in 2002, representing a 28% increase on numbers of new diagnoses in 2001, reported by the same time last year. The number is predicted to rise to over 6000 new HIV diagnoses in 2002 as further reports are received. In contrast, the numbers of new AIDS diagnoses increased annually peaking in 1994 at 1854, until the widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the mid nineties led to a fall, numbers stabilising in the late nineties, with 647 new AIDS diagnoses in 2002 reported so far.
Rubella in pregnant women and newborns in France: 2001 data from the Rénarub network
Authors: Six C , Bouraoui L , Lévy-Bruhl D
Published: October 2017

The Rénarub network, set up in 1976, is the principle source of information on the epidemiology of rubella in France (1, 2). Its objective is to collate, at national level, cases of rubella occurring during pregnancy and congenital rubella, and more widely, to evaluate the impact of vaccination policy and prevention measures put in place in France with the aim of eliminating congenital rubella. The full version of this article is available on the website of the Institut de Veille Sanitaire, including the new case definition, more detailed results (http://www.invs.sante.fr/publications/2003/rubeole_2001/rubbeh_2001.pdf), and a list of laboratories participating in the network (http://www.invs.sante.fr/publications/2003/rubeole_2001/reseau_renarub.htm).
Travel associated probable case of SARS, Finland, with commentary from Health Canada
Authors: Nuorti P , Kotilainen P , Lappalainen M
Published: October 2017

A 24 year old, previously healthy Finnish man travelled to Toronto from 24-28 April 2003 to attend a large conference. After returning to Finland, he became ill with a high fever (40 °C) and mild cough on 30 April. The patient was admitted to Turku University Central Hospital and placed in isolation as a suspect case of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). On admission, his chest radiograph was normal. On 2 May, a perihilar infiltrate was observed in his chest radiograph. A diagnosis of community acquired pneumonia was made and the case was reclassified as probable SARS. Fever lasted for five days and the patient did not require supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation. From 2-13 May, the patient received oral levofloxacin, which appeared not to influence the clinical course or laboratory parameters. There was no lymphopenia and the lactate dehydrogenase was normal. Nasopharyngeal samples for respiratory antigen detection (influenza A and B, adenovirus, parainfluenza 1,2,3 and respiratory syncytial virus) were negative. Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibody testing did not indicate acute infection. Blood cultures were negative. No aetiology for the pneumonia was identified.
Recent increase in measles in children and teenagers in Switzerland
Authors: Richard J L , Zimmermann H
Published: October 2017

A total of 387 clinical measles cases have been notified to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (SFOPH) in the last two months, a large increase compared to recent years.
New surveillance system for antibiotic resistance in Switzerland
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

A Switzerland wide surveillance system, to register and analyse all circulating antibiotic resistant microorganisms will be set up in the next two years.
New issue of EpiNorth online
Authors: Gundersen V R
Published: October 2017

The latest issue of EpiNorth (volume 4, number 1), the bulletin of the network for infectious disease control in Northern Europe) is now available online at www.epinorth.org.
European Commission bans import of prairie dogs from the US and rodents and squirrels from sub-Saharan Africa
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The European Union standing committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health...
Control of SARS in the EU: measures undertaken by member states and accession countries
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The European Commission (EC) has published a document summarising measures undertaken by member states and accession countries to control outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) (1). The report has been based on
Source of US monkeypox outbreak of identified, and CDC issues updated interim guidance for prevention and treatment of monkeypox
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States
European Commission announces end of avian influenza outbreaks in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

All restrictions imposed after outbreaks of avian influenza A/H7N7
Commission adopts proposal to create European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The European Commission yesterday adopted a proposal to create a European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC
WHO issues guidance on future public health management of SARS
Authors: Delpech V , Crofts J
Published: October 2017

The World Health Organization has published a document describing the SARS alert criteria and a surveillance approach for the post-outbreak period of severe acute respiratory syndrome
Increase in Salmonella Bareilly in the United Kingdom
Authors: O'Brien S , Ward L. R. , Hampton M , Cowden J , Mather H , Brown D J
Published: October 2017

The Health Protection Agency’s Laboratory of Enteric Pathogens
Legionnaires’ disease associated with a cruise liner – Germany: update
Authors: Joseph C , Beyrer K
Published: October 2017

The number of cases of legionnaires’ disease
France recalls internationally distributed halal meat products from the plant implicated as the source of a type B botulism outbreak
Authors:   E Espié,   V Vaillant,   H de Valk,   M R Popoff
Published: October 2017

Four cases of botulism, linked to consumption of contaminated halal sausage
Singapore MOH publishes review panel report on most recent SARS case and biosafety
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Following the recent isolated case of SARS in a doctoral student in Singapore
EU role in strengthening global response to health threats
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The European Commission has called for the EU to play a central role in the WHO negotiations to reinforce international rules on the control of infectious diseases
Continued transmission of syphilis in Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Authors: van de Laar M J W , van Veen M , Götz H , Nuradini B , van der Meijden W , Thio B
Published: October 2017

Following earlier recognition of a syphilis outbreak in Rotterdam
Hong Kong SARS Expert Committee publishes its report
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Hong Kong’s SARS Expert Committee, which was set up by Hong Kong’s Chief Executive at the end of May to review the management and control of the SARS outbreak in Hong Kong, has today published a 279 page report and a 63 page summary report
New EU ‘zoonoses package’ of legislation to combat foodborne diseases
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The Agriculture Council of the European Commission has this week adopted a ‘zoonoses package’ of legislation aimed at reducing the incidence of foodborne disease in the European Union
Messages from the 2003 European Health Forum Gastein
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

David Byrne, Europe’s Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, last week addressed this year’s meeting of the European Health Forum Gastein, the theme of which was 'Health and wealth: economic and social dimensions of health’, on the links between health and economic prosperity
Human and equine West Nile virus infections in France, August-September 2003
Authors:   A  Mailles,   P Dellamonica,   H Zeller,   J-P Durand,   S Zientara,   R Goffette,   C Gloaguen,   A Armengaud,   F Schaffner,   J Hars,   E Chodorge,   J Barbat
Published: October 2017

On October 6, a case of human West Nile virus (WNV) infection was notified
Consensus document on the epidemiology of SARS
Authors: Chow Y
Published: October 2017

WHO has issued a consensus document on SARS. The 35 page report summarises the international research
Current influenza activity in the United Kingdom: A/Fujian/411/2002 (H3N2)-like strains circulating in the community, week 44
Authors: Crofts J
Published: October 2017

Clinical indicators of influenza activity continue to rise in England and Northern Ireland and are now above baseline levels in Scotland
Suspected cases of acute haemorrhagic fever in the Republic of Congo
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Twelve suspected cases of acute haemorrhagic fever, including 9 deaths, have been reported in Mbomo district
HIV diagnoses are increasing in the European Union
Authors:   F F Hamers,
Published: October 2017

HIV is still one of the most important communicable diseases in Europe
Monitoring of tickborne encephalitis and declaration of high risk areas in Germany
Authors:   D Altmann,   W Hellenbrand,   W Kiehl,   I Steffens
Published: October 2017

Tickborne encephalitis (TBE) is particularly prevalent in central and eastern Europe
HART study findings suggest a bigger role for human papillomavirus testing in cervical cancer screening
Authors: Arthur G
Published: October 2017

Oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are the underlying cause of almost all cervical cancer and its precursors
Suspected SARS case in Guangdong (China)
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

A suspected case of severe acute respiratory syndrome
Updated procedure for communication to EU member states and European Commission about SARS events
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The European Commission has published an updated procedure
Changes to notification of infectious diseases in Ireland
Authors: Thornton L
Published: October 2017

Important changes in the national infectious disease legislation in Ireland came into operation on 1 January 2004
Guangdong (China) SARS case confirmed by WHO
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

A case of SARS in a 32 year old man from Guangdong has been confirmed
Recommendations on directions in antimicrobial research from the 4th European Conference on Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Schoch Peter
Published: October 2017

A number of recommendations covering scientific, clinical and political areas of research and activity to combat antimicrobial resistance were developed
Avian influenza in Asia: update from the Health Threats Unit at DG SANCO, European Commission
Authors: Karcher F , Guglielmetti P , Ciotti M
Published: October 2017

Influenza is a highly contagious viral disease, which typically occurs as epidemics during the cold months. Every year, 100 million people are affected in Europe, Japan and the USA alone. Pandemic strains originating from animals have the potential to cause high morbidity and mortality in human populations.
Report on avian influenza in South East and East Asia
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

There are currently widespread outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in South East Asia that have been ongoing since late 2003. The outbreaks are due to a strain of influenza A, subtype H5N1.
European Parliament vote backs European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The European Parliament passed an opinion on 10 February to bring the new European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) into being
Avian influenza update: H5N1 in poultry in South East and East Asia, and in humans in Vietnam and Thailand
Authors:   N Goddard
Published: October 2017

Confirmed of suspected outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1) remain widespread among poultry in China (14/31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities), Thailand (40/76 provinces), and Vietnam (28/64 provinces).
Antibiotic resistance in the Mediterranean region: the ARMed project
Authors:   M Borg,   E Scicluna
Published: October 2017

Antimicrobial resistance is increasing and has brought with it the possibility of untreatable infections and a return to the pre-antibiotic era.
National electronic Library of Infection in the United Kingdom – contributing to changing clinical practice
Authors: Kostkova P , Madle G ,   J Mani-Saada
Published: October 2017

The provision of quality medical information to professionals and patients has been identified as a key factor in combating disease
Social and medical survey of HIV infected patients from sub-Saharan Africa, in hospitals in the Paris area (Ile-de-France), 2002
Authors: Lot F , Larsen C , Valin N , Gouëzel P , Blanchon T , Laporte A
Published: October 2017

In the context of a declining incidence of AIDS in France, the observed rise in cases of AIDS from 1999 onwards in immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa has prompted a descriptive survey of HIV infected patients from this region receiving treatment in hospitals in Ile-de-France (Paris and its suburban districts)
WHO, FAO and OIE discuss the challenges facing authorities engaged with containing avian influenza
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The unprecedented challenges of containing the outbreak of avian influenz
Malarone for malaria prophylaxis – differences in national recommendations across Europe
Authors:   O Wichmann,   R H Behrens,   T Jelinek
Published: October 2017

Since the late 1990s, the combination of atovaquone and proguanil has been commercially available as a fixed antimalarial compound
Ongoing outbreak of dengue fever in Indonesia
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team,   J Lawrence,   D Hill,   R Tucker
Published: October 2017

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has reported 23 857 hospitalised cases of dengue fever
Viral gastroenteritis epidemic of 2002 associated with new norovirus variant
Authors:   B Lopman
Published: October 2017

Public health workers from around Europe will recall 2002/2003 as the ‘winter of norovirus outbreaks’
First large outbreak of multidrug resistant tuberculosis in the Netherlands reported
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The first large outbreak of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) in the Netherlands has been reported
Protecting the United Kingdom blood supply from variant CJD: donors who have received a blood transfusion can no longer donate blood
Authors: Connor N , Janecek H
Published: October 2017

On 16 March 2004, the Department of Health in England announced that people who have received a blood transfusion in the UK since 1 January 1980 will no longer be able to donate blood
First United Kingdom-wide study of raw shell eggs and their use in catering premises published
Authors: Elson R , Little C
Published: October 2017

A joint study carried out by the Health Protection Agency for England and Wales and the UK Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services has examined eggs from catering premises in relation to their use and contamination with Salmonella spp
Norovirus outbreak in a school in the north of Portugal
Authors: Castro L , Cardoso A  I , Rebelo-Andrade Helena , Gray J J , Saraiva Margarida , Gonçalves G
Published: October 2017

On 13 January 2004, the Autoridade de Saúde of Póvoa do Varzim in the north of Portugal was informed that several children and staff of a school had become ill
EBLV-2 seroprevalence study in bats in the United Kingdom
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Preliminary results of a study to assess the presence of the European Bat Lyssavirus type 2 (EBLV-2) in populations of Daubenton's bats
Worldwide recall of Aventis Pasteur rabies vaccine
Authors: Smith Alan , Boccia D
Published: October 2017

Aventis Pasteur Marketing Services Division Limited has issued a worldwide recall of a rabies vaccine manufactured by the company in France.
Legionnaires’ disease associated with whirlpools at an exhibition - Austria, March 2004
Authors: Allerberger F , Schmid D , Wewalka G
Published: October 2017

Three cases of legionnaires’ disease have been confirmed in Austria’s central Oberösterreich province.
Experiments provide compelling evidence of protein-only prion infectivity, and that prion strain differences must be structural
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Results of experiments by two prion research groups support the view that prions are protein-based, infectious entities not made up of transmissible nucleic acids. In these experiments, infectivity with purified prion protein was demonstrated
Scottish report on hepatitis C and injecting practices has implications for policy and harm reduction strategies
Authors: Taylor A , Fleming A , Rutherford Jeanne , Goldberg D
Published: October 2017

There is considerable evidence that needle/syringe exchange provision has helped to control HIV transmission among injecting drug users (IDUs) [1]. However, the indications are that current interventions may be reducing, but are not controlling, the spread of hepatitis C infection (HCV) [2].
Communicable disease surveillance, prevention and control in Slovakia
Authors: Maderova E
Published: October 2017

The Public Health Authority of the Slovak Republic fulfils the role of the executive body of the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic. The Authority‘s operations cover the whole of the Slovak Republic
Scenario analysis - estimating the effect of different interventions during an influenza pandemic
Authors: Wallinga J , Hagenaars T J ,   M van Genugten
Published: October 2017

Three influenza pandemics occurred during the twentieth century: “Spanish flu” in 1918-1920, “Asian flu” in 1957-1958 and “Hong Kong flu” in 1968-1969.
Outbreak of S. Enteritidis PT9C associated with consumption of raw almonds in the US: situation in countries participating in the Enter-net dedicated surveillance network
Authors: Fisher I. S.T.
Published: October 2017

An outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis PT9C in the United States with a unique pulsed field gel electrophoresis pattern was notified to the Enter-net dedicated surveillance network
Severe disease due to group A streptococcus in Belgium
Authors: Hanquet G , Goossens H , Top G , Pirenne Yvo , Gilbert V , De Schrijver K , Vergison A , Ducoffre G , Van Cleemput Els , Suetens C
Published: October 2017

In April 2004, a dozen invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) infections were reported by several hospitals in Brussels and Flanders.
TropNetEurop surveillance data: Trends in imported malaria 2003
Authors: Wichmann O , Mühlberger N , Jelinek T
Published: October 2017

Falciparum malaria remains one of the most important killers worldwide and the most frequent cause of travel related fever in European travel clinics.
Tickborne encephalitis in Lithuania
Authors: Asokliene L
Published: October 2017

In 2003, the epidemiology of tickborne encephalitis (TBE) in Lithuania was very unusual.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks, South East Asia: WHO response
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Two press releases from the World Health Organization (WHO) last week have refocused international attention on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1)
Two cases of imported cholera from India in Austrian travellers
Authors: Strauss R , Stirling Jana , Hausmann M , Wewalka G , Thalhammer F , Hrabcik H , Bruns C
Published: October 2017

Two confirmed cholera cases (Vibrio cholerae 01, subserotype Inaba, biotype El Tor) were reported to the Austrian ministry of health by the Vienna Regional Health Board and the national cholera reference laboratory in Vienna on 2 June 2004
Germany adds varicella vaccine to the national vaccination programme
Authors: Rasch Gernot , Hellenbrand W
Published: October 2017

In July 2004 varicella (chickenpox) vaccination was added to the national routine vaccination schedule for all children in Germany
Possible second case of variant CJD prion protein transmission from blood transfusion in the UK
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

A possible second case of transmission of the abnormal prion protein associated with variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) through a blood transfusion in the United Kingdom
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Scotland: latest diagnoses to 2003 and prevention recommendations 2004
Authors: Goldberg D , Shaw Louise , Codere G , Roy Kirsty , Hutchinson S
Published: October 2017

During 2003, 1779 new cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody positivity were diagnosed by HCV testing laboratories throughout Scotland
European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption: the ESAC programme
Authors:   M Ferech
Published: October 2017

Resistance to antimicrobials has become a major public health concern, and it has been shown that there is a relationship, albeit complex, between antimicrobial resistance and consumption
MenC conjugate vaccine in Europe – schedules, protection and outcomes
Authors:   J Bowley
Published: October 2017

A recently published report confirms that MenC vaccine provides high protection during four years of follow up.
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control advertises for director
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

A vacancy notice for the post of director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 7 August.
Confirmed deaths from avian influenza in Vietnam
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

An outbreak of avian influenza in humans in Vietnam, which has caused at least three deaths, was reported by the World Health Organization last week
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus infections on an orthopaedic ward in Ireland
Authors:   P Finnegan
Published: October 2017

Nine patients on an orthopaedic ward in a hospital in Ireland, were recently found to have been infected or colonised with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus