Denmark's unique approach to prenatal care, including universal syphilis screening, has led to zero congenital syphilis cases since 2016. The study found nearly 100% screening coverage and a stable trend in syphilis infections, but no increase in congenital syphilis cases, indicating a well-functioning healthcare system.
EU scientists highlight the essential role of mosquito control in tackling the increase in mosquito-borne diseases in Europe. The research emphasizes the need for continued investment in research to develop sustainable, evidence-based, and integrated mosquito control strategies. A One Health approach is also recommended to improve the ...
Gaps in hepatitis prevention measures across Europe hinder efforts to eliminate the disease by 2030. Despite progress in vaccination and harm reduction, some countries struggle with low vaccine coverage and inadequate access to sterile needles for injecting drug users.
A growing number of European countries are detecting gonococcal strains resistant to ceftriaxone, posing a significant challenge for treatment options. Early detections are associated with importation from South-East Asia, and strengthening prevention is essential.
A large dengue outbreak in Italy was analyzed to identify transmission patterns. The data show that more than half of linked transmission events involved people within 100m apart. Temperature played a role in reducing transmission, with a drop in autumn temperatures contributing to the decline.
A study analyzing all known Ebola disease cases outside Africa since 1976 found a low overall risk of exportation. Local, community-based case management and infection prevention at the outbreak source are considered key strategies to mitigate transmission risk.
Chlamydia notifications decreased in seven European countries, with significant declines among young people. The decline was mainly seen in Sweden, Denmark, England, Finland, Ireland, Norway and the Netherlands, with case numbers dropping by up to 32% in some countries.
Europe's bacterial STI cases reached record highs in 2024, driven by gonorrhoea and syphilis, with men who have sex with men disproportionately affected. The near doubling of congenital syphilis cases highlights the need for improved antenatal screening protocols to prevent transmission to newborns.
The CCRE survey provides the most comprehensive genomic picture to date of carbapenem- and/or colistin-resistant Enterobacterales across European hospitals. The results reveal heterogeneous yet increasingly concerning epidemiological patterns, suggesting a high risk that carbapenem-resistant E. coli could become endemic in Europe.
A Canadian study found that seasonal COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced the risk of illness in 2025/26, with vaccine protection extending beyond its target strain. The vaccine was particularly beneficial for people aged 65 or older, offering 53% effectiveness against severe COVID-19.
Three European countries reach 90% HPV vaccination coverage among girls by age 15, marking progress in cervical cancer prevention. HPV vaccination programmes show significant reductions in infections and precancerous lesions, with early administration increasing full protective potential.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control estimates that between 2.4 and 4.1 million people in the EU/EEA are living with chronic hepatitis B infection. The prevalence varies significantly across countries, with the highest rates found in southern and eastern Europe.
Researchers found that influenza vaccination reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke by half for those who got infected, even if they didn't get vaccinated beforehand. The study's findings suggest prioritizing influenza vaccination among high-risk populations could have significant public health impact.
The European Region is struggling to detect and treat tuberculosis, with 1 in 5 cases going undiagnosed or unreported. Drug-resistant strains are also a major concern, with the region accounting for a disproportionate share of global cases.
A Rapid Outbreak Assessment published by ECDC and EFSA concludes that the likelihood of exposure to contaminated infant formula is low due to ongoing recalls. Most affected children experience mild symptoms, but infants under six months are more vulnerable to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances.
A study of over 50,000 pregnant women in Norway found low vaccination rates against COVID-19 and influenza, with only 29.9% and 12.1% vaccinated respectively. The study highlights the need for targeted strategies to improve vaccination uptake among expectant mothers.
A new joint report from EFSA and ECDC highlights the ongoing threat of antimicrobial resistance in common foodborne bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. Despite some encouraging signals, progress has been limited, and continued action is essential to slow the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
According to the latest ECDC report, 7,655 measles cases were reported across 30 countries in 2025, with eight fatalities. This represents a significant decrease from 35,000 cases in 2024 but is still almost double the number of cases in 2023.
Two confirmed cases of Nipah virus disease have been reported in West Bengal, India, with a very low risk for European travelers. Indian authorities have implemented prevention and control measures, and several countries in the region have initiated precautionary measures to reduce the risk of transmission.
Researchers describe first reported mpox transmission of clade Ib in a healthcare setting outside Africa, with Ireland's nosocomial outbreak linked to local cases. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, community transmission shifted from sexual to non-sexual routes, driven by factors like overcrowding and child malnutrition.
The emergence of A(H3N2) subclade K viruses in Australia and New Zealand extended their influenza seasons, with Australia experiencing a record-breaking season. The viruses were likely imported from the US and accounted for half of Australian viruses and over two-thirds of New Zealand viruses.
Over half (54%) of all HIV diagnoses in Europe in 2024 were made too late for optimal treatment, according to new data from ECDC and WHO/Europe. This critical testing failure is severely jeopardizing the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
The 2025 European Scientific Conference on Applied Infectious Disease Epidemiology (ESCAIDE) brings together over 3,000 participants to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration in infectious disease prevention and control. The conference highlights urgent priorities such as building trust in science, demonstrating science-based ...
Europe is facing a major public health crisis due to rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates, with estimated deaths of over 35,000 annually. The EU must address this issue through strong action on antibiotic use, innovation in novel treatments and infection prevention and control practices.
In response to rising RSV cases, ECDC advises policymakers and public health authorities on effective ways to mitigate the impact of RSV disease in infants. Immunisation interventions, including long-acting monoclonal antibodies and maternal vaccines, can prevent severe illness and hospitalization.
A European study found that long-acting monoclonal antibody immunisation effectively prevented hospitalisation due to RSV infection among children under two years old. The overall immunisation effectiveness was 79%, with a decline in protection over time, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring.
A recurring seasonal outbreak pattern of Salmonella Strathcona cases has been identified in Europe since 2011, with small tomatoes from Sicily being the likely source. The investigation found that almost all cases were genetically related, suggesting a common source and food vehicle.
A Dutch study found that vaccination coverage among children declined faster in households with lower income and those not attending daycare. The study, which analyzed over 2 million children, identified sociodemographic factors contributing to the decline, including parental education and migration background.
New Cochrane review finds RSV vaccines protect against severe lung infections in high-risk groups. Vaccination with RSV prefusion vaccines reduces lower respiratory tract disease by 77% in older adults, while pregnant people's children benefit from reduced hospitalization risk by 54%.
The latest ECDC survey confirms that Candidozyma auris is spreading quickly across European hospitals, with case numbers rising and outbreaks growing in scale. Early detection and control of transmission are crucial to prevent widespread rapid dissemination.
A recent study found a sharp increase in hospitalisations for pertussis among children and adolescents in Tuscany, Italy, between 2016 and 2024. The study emphasizes the critical role of timely vaccination administration to prevent further cases and hospitalisations.
Europe is experiencing longer and more intense transmission seasons for mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus infection and chikungunya virus disease. ECDC has warned that record-breaking outbreaks point to a 'new normal' in Europe, prompting the need for a robust response to protect public health.
The European Union has launched a new toolkit to help eliminate viral hepatitis B and C in prisons across Europe. The toolkit provides practical tools and guidance for implementing interventions in prisons, with the goal of reducing transmission rates and promoting public health.
A nationwide study in Ukraine found substantial lifetime exposure to hepatitis B and C viruses, with significant ongoing circulation among the population. The study emphasizes the need for hepatitis B vaccination among infants and risk groups, as well as regular screening, treatment, and awareness-raising efforts.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control warns of an increased risk of Vibrio infections throughout the summer season due to rising sea surface temperatures. Several northern countries bordering the Baltic Sea have reported increases in recent years, with serious infections possible through foodborne or skin contact.
A Danish study finds that HPV vaccination has reduced prevalence of high-risk HPV types among vaccinated women, suggesting population immunity. However, non-vaccine types remain common and new infections occur more frequently in vaccinated women than unvaccinated women.
Diphtheria is still being reported in Europe, with cases higher than before 2020, affecting vulnerable populations like homeless individuals, migrants, and those who use or inject drugs. ECDC recommends tailored public health response measures to protect these groups.
A recent study in the Netherlands found 15% of men who have sex with men and transgender individuals recently used doxycycline as post- or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), highlighting an increase in informal use. The high intention to use PrEP among the population raises concerns about potential antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and chan...
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has launched new weekly surveillance updates and public health guidance on mosquito-borne diseases, covering chikungunya, dengue, Zika, and West Nile viruses. The reports provide a comprehensive view of the evolving situation across European countries.
Infections from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children requiring primary care led to significant societal economic costs. The study found that the main sources of costs were repeated visits to primary care physicians and parents missing work to care for their sick children, with higher costs for infants under 1 year old.
Research reveals inequalities in MMR vaccination that may contribute to measles outbreaks and epidemics. In France, vaccines were dispensed later for children from low-income families, while a UK investigation found that deprived communities and some ethnic groups were more affected by the outbreak and less likely to be vaccinated.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) emphasizes the need for high immunization coverage to protect European populations from diseases like measles and polio. Vaccination remains a crucial tool in public health, with recent data showing a tenfold surge in reported measles cases in the EU/EEA.
The EU/EEA is struggling to reach 2030 SDG targets for HIV, TB, viral hepatitis B and C, and STIs, with many countries not on track. Despite progress in some areas, significant data gaps hinder a complete assessment.
Recent cases of multi-drug resistant cholera in the UK and Germany are linked to exposure to contaminated holy water from Ethiopia. The study found a connection between pilgrims consuming or bathing in the holy well and the spread of the disease.
Childhood tuberculosis cases in the EU/EEA have increased by 26% over the past three years, with young children under 15 accounting for 4.3% of all TB cases. The rise in pediatric TB has raised concerns about incomplete treatment, drug-resistant TB, and further transmission.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports a rise in tuberculosis cases among children and adolescents in the EU/EEA, with a slight increase in the notification rate from 2.0 to 2.5 per 100,000 population. The highest proportion of paediatric TB was observed in children aged 1 to 4 years old.
A study found that RSV hospitalization rates increase progressively with age among older adults in Spain, with those over 85 years old facing the highest risk. Certain chronic conditions, such as blood cancer, COPD, and cardiovascular disease, also significantly increase the risk of hospitalization.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports a significant increase in measles cases across EU/EEA countries, with eight out of ten unvaccinated individuals contracting the disease. Vaccination levels fall short of the 95% target, leaving vulnerable populations susceptible to measles.
The influenza vaccine provided moderate protection against influenza A strains, but strong protection against influenza B. The vaccine was most effective in preventing severe disease among children and adolescents, with a high effectiveness rate.
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, including K. pneumoniae and E. coli, pose a significant risk to EU/EEA patients and healthcare systems. The epidemiological situation has deteriorated since 2019, with high-risk lineages spreading in hospitals.