WRITTEN QUESTION E-1658/03

by Erik Meijer (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(19 May 2003)

Subject: Genesis of new diseases, preparations for a SARS epidemic, declining research capacity and serious risks to older generations

1. In weighing up the situation with regard to the new disease SARS and considering ways of controlling it, ought not one of the main points to be borne in mind be that, although the disease is not yet widespread in Europe, it could pose a disproportionate risk so long as there is no way of preventing susceptibility to it or of curing infected patients swiftly?

2. Can the Commission confirm that, although until the beginning of May 2003 nobody had died of SARS in Europe, it is now clear from data from outside Europe that the SARS mortality rate varies between age groups, and that 13 % of infected people below the age of 60 are expected to die while on average 50 % of those aged over 60 will do so?

3. What truth is there in the suggestion that, because of spending cuts, the EU Member States now have less capacity than before for teaching and research relating to the occurrence of new diseases which are difficult to control? Are we dependent on interested experts who are tackling this subject because it is topical, although it lies outside their normal field?

4. Is it possible that a disease comparable to SARS might arise as a result of a combination of avian influenza, which has already killed one person and caused inflammations of the eye in others in the Netherlands, with flu? What is the likelihood of SARS combining with one of the variants of the flu virus and then spreading more widely?

5. Are measures to control SARS currently concentrating on reception of patients by setting up quarantine wards in hospitals and preparing respirators for use?

6. Following the Commission's consultations with the Director-General and Director for Europe of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 6 May 2003, the impression was gained that SARS would inevitably again be brought into Europe and would then spread there. Is this correct?

Joint answerto Written questions E-1658/03 and E-1659/03given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(24 June 2003)

The Commission does not take the view that the risk posed by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is disproportionate. There are means to prevent the infection in persons, such as quarantine, travel control, protective equipment, disinfection and avoiding close contact.

The Commission is paying high attention to SARS. Measures have been put in place, including control of international travel, to prevent the introduction and further spread of the disease. Education is part of these activities. The Community, together with the World Health Organisation (WHO), avails of experts that have already produced very encouraging results in terms of investigation of the course of the disease and understanding of the transmission. This work is ongoing and the Commission is confident that significant further progress is being made.

Recommendations and guidance on international travel, in particular by air that have been issued are confined to the extent deemed unavoidable for disease containment. They are based on neutral scientific advice and on a careful balance with the principle of freedom of movement. In addition to controls in the country of arrival, adequate measures taken at the place of departure, in particular in the countries most affected by SARS, are important to further minimise the risk of spreading the disease.

The chance that a disease comparable to SARS may evolve from the avian influenza epidemic can not be totally excluded but is not significant. The death of a veterinarian needs to be seen as a single event. In general, appropriate prophylactic measures are being taken to limit the risk of infection. The epidemic occurrence of influenza in man is seasonal and although co-infection of SARS and influenza in man may occur the risk is certainly limited.

Recent epidemiological studies on SARS have indeed indicated variations in the attack-fatality rates depending on the age group. The Commission, in close co-operation with the Member States and WHO, is following up these studies and is assisting Member States in defining their policies according to the outcome of these studies.

Hospitals in the Community are well equipped to deal with SARS patients, and facilities including quarantine and mechanical ventilation units are generally available.

In Europe the situation is reasonably under control. The epidemiological data available indicate that the measures, especially the precautionary measures taken at exit points, are apt to keep the infection restricted to the areas of origin. The Commission, however, is aware that the situation requires alertness and will therefore closely follow up the development.

The Commission recognises that the control of SARS relies to a significant degree on new knowledge being generated and the crucial need and value of strong international collaborative partnerships among researchers and their institutions. Commission services are currently preparing for a special call for research proposals in the near future addressing a number of crucial aspects of direct relevance to SARS. The Commission also recognises the

need to reinforce preparedness and response capacity to outbreaks of infectious diseases of any nature, and in this context offers research support through policy-oriented research activities of the Sixth Framework Programme. This programme for research, technological development and demonstration activities covering the period 2002 to 2006 contributes to the creation of the European Research Area and to innovation(1).

The Fifth Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities implemented from 1998 to 2002(2) has already been funding, within the remit of the key action Control of Infectious Diseases several projects involving centres of expertise on corona virology. Total Community contribution to these projects is about EUR 3,5 million.

(1) Decision No 1513/2002/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2002 concerning the sixth framework programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities, contributing to the creation of the European Research Area and to innovation (2002 to 2006), OJ L 232, 29.8.2002.

(2) Decision No 182/1999/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 22 December 1998 concerning the fifth framework programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (1998 to 2002), OJ L 26, 1.2.1999.