Excess mortality in Europe coincides with peaks of COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), November 2023 to February 2024
Since the end of November 2023, the European Mortality Monitoring Network (EuroMOMO) has observed excess mortality in Europe. During weeks 48 2023–6 2024, preliminary results show a substantially increased rate of 95.3 (95% CI: 91.7–98.9) excess all-cause deaths per 100,000 person-years for all ages. This excess mortality is seen in adults aged 45 years and older, and coincides with widespread presence of COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) observed in many European countries during the 2023/24 winter season. (Source: Eurosurveillance)
Source: Eurosurveillance - April 11, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Sarah K N ørgaard, Jens Nielsen, Anne Christine Nordholm, Lukas Richter, Alena Chalupka, Natalia Bustos Sierra, Toon Braeye, Maria Athanasiadou, Theodore Lytras, Gleb Denissov, Oskari Luomala, Anne Fouillet, Isabelle Pontais, Matthias an der Heiden, Bene Source Type: research
Emergence of OXA-48-like producing Citrobacter species, Germany, 2011 to 2022
ConclusionIn CF in Germany, OXA-48 is the predominant carbapenemase. Dissemination is likely due to distinct highly transmissible plasmids harbouringblaOXA‑48 orblaOXA-48-like and the spread of the high-risk clonal lineages ST19 and ST22. (Source: Eurosurveillance)
Source: Eurosurveillance - April 11, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Julian Sommer, Hannah Reiter, Janko Sattler, Elisabetta Cacace, Jessica Eisfeld, S ören Gatermann, Axel Hamprecht and Stephan Göttig Source Type: research
Epidemiology, resistance genomics and susceptibility of Acinetobacter species: results from the 2020 Spanish nationwide surveillance study
ConclusionsThe emergence of OXA-23-producing ST1 and ST2, the predominant MDR lineages, shows a pivotal shift in carbapenem-resistantA. baumannii (CRAB) epidemiology in Spain. Coupled with increased colistin resistance, these changes underscore notable alterations in regional antimicrobial resistance dynamics. (Source: Eurosurveillance)
Source: Eurosurveillance - April 11, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Cristina Lasarte-Monterrubio, Paula Guijarro-S ánchez, Isaac Alonso-Garcia, Michelle Outeda, Romina Maceiras, Lucia González-Pinto, Marta Martínez-Guitián, Carlos Fernández-Lozano, Juan Carlos Vázquez-Ucha, German Bou, Jorge Arca-Suárez and Alejand Source Type: research
Neonatal Elizabethkingia anophelis meningitis originating from the water reservoir of an automated infant milk dispenser, the Netherlands, February 2024
We report a Dutch case ofE. anophelis meningitis in a neonate, clonally related to samples taken from an automated infant milk dispenser located at the family’s residence. We inform about the emergence ofE. anophelis and suggest molecular surveillance in hospitals and other health settings. This is the first case connecting an automated formula dispenser to an invasive infection in a neonate. (Source: Eurosurveillance)
Source: Eurosurveillance - April 4, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: B Ruben Brandsema, Ger-Jan Fleurke, Sigrid Rosema, Eke MW Schins, Jelte Helfferich and Erik Bathoorn Source Type: research
Pertussis epidemic in Denmark, August 2023 to February 2024
We report a record high pertussis epidemic in Denmark since August 2023. Highest incidence was in adolescents, while peak incidence in infants was lower vs previous epidemics in 2019 and 2016. Among infants aged 0–2 months, over half (29/48) were hospitalised and one infant died, underlining the disease severity in the youngest. To protect infants, pertussis vaccination in pregnant women was introduced in January 2024 in the national vaccination programme. Improved vaccination surveillance in pregnant women is being implemented. (Source: Eurosurveillance)
Source: Eurosurveillance - April 4, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Anne Christine Nordholm, Hanne-Dorthe Emborg, Sarah Kristine N ørgaard, Ulrikka Nygaard, Aoife Ronayne, Lise Birk Nielsen, Bolette Søborg, Peter H Andersen and Tine Dalby Source Type: research
Outbreak of carbapenemase-producing Citrobacter farmeri in an intensive care haematology department linked to a persistent wastewater reservoir in one hospital room, France, 2019 to 2022
In 2019–2022, a prolonged outbreak of oxacillinase (OXA)-48-producingCitrobacter farmeri due to a persistent environmental contamination, occurred in our haematology intensive care unit. In April 2019, we isolated OXA-48-producingC. farmeri from rectal samples of two patients in weekly screenings. The cases had stayed in the same hospital room but 4 months apart. We screened five patients who had stayed in this room between the two cases and identified a third case. Over the following 3 years, five other cases were detected, the last case in September 2022. In total, eight cases were detected: seven colon...
Source: Eurosurveillance - April 4, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Marie Regad, Julie Lizon, Corentine Alauzet, Gabrielle Roth-Guepin, Caroline Bonmati, Simona Pagliuca, Alain Lozniewski and Arnaud Florentin Source Type: research
The approach to developing Ireland ’s first national health protection strategy and lessons learnt, December 2021 to October 2022
We describe the approach taken to develop a first national health protection strategy for Ireland, and highlight the key lessons learned. Key steps in strategy formation included detailed stakeholder analysis, exploration of the context for the strategy and development of a comprehensive consultation plan. Two stakeholder consultation workshops were held. The first focused on defining strategic vision, aim and objectives, the second verified objectives and identified enablers. A subsequent e-consultation invited feedback from wider stakeholders. The published strategy outlines 10 strategic objectives and 11 enablers. Key l...
Source: Eurosurveillance - April 4, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Ciara Kelly, Joan Gallagher, Lola Odewumi, Robert Conway, Mary E Black, Kristin Concannon, Louise Marron and Lorraine Doherty Source Type: research
Detection of dengue in German tourists returning from Ibiza, Spain, related to an autochthonous outbreak, August to October 2022
In February 2023, German public health authorities reported two dengue cases (one confirmed, one probable) and four possible cases who travelled to Ibiza, Spain, in late summer/autumn 2022; the infection was probably acquired through mosquito bites. Case 1 visited Ibiza over 1 week in late August with two familial companions; all three developed symptoms the day after returning home. Only Case 1 was tested; dengue virus (DENV) infection was confirmed by presence of NS1 antigen and IgM antibodies. Case 2 travelled to Ibiza with two familial companions for 1 week in early October, and stayed in the same town as Case 1. Case ...
Source: Eurosurveillance - April 4, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Luc ía García-San-Miguel, Jaume Giménez-Durán, Gabriela Saravia-Campelli, María Cruz Calvo-Reyes, Beatriz Fernández-Martínez, Christina Frank, Hendrik Wilking, Ramón García Janer, Miguel Ángel Miranda, Esteban Aznar Cano, Mª José Sierra Moros Source Type: research
Increase in invasive Streptococcus pyogenes M1 infections with close evolutionary genetic relationship, Iceland and Scotland, 2022 to 2023
Group AStreptococcus isolates of the recently described M1UK clade have emerged to cause human infections in several European countries and elsewhere. Full-genome sequence analysis of M1 isolates discovered a close genomic relationship between some isolates from Scotland and the majority of isolates from Iceland causing serious infections in 2022 and 2023. Phylogenetic analysis strongly suggests that an isolate from or related to Scotland was the precursor to an M1UK variant responsible for almost all recent M1 infections in Iceland. (Source: Eurosurveillance)
Source: Eurosurveillance - March 28, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Stephen B Beres, Randall J Olsen, S Wesley Long, Ross Langley, Thomas Williams, Helga Erlendsdottir, Andrew Smith, Karl G Kristinsson and James M Musser Source Type: research
Molecular epidemiology identifies the expansion of the DENV2 epidemic lineage from the French Caribbean Islands to French Guiana and mainland France, 2023 to 2024
In 2023, dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV2) affected most French overseas territories. In the French Caribbean Islands, viral circulation continues with > 30,000 suspected infections by March 2024. Genome sequence analysis reveals that the epidemic lineage in the French Caribbean islands has also become established in French Guiana but not Réunion. It has moreover seeded autochthonous circulation events in mainland France. To guide prevention of further inter-territorial spread and DENV introduction in non-endemic settings, continued molecular surveillance and mosquito control are essential. (Source: Eurosurveillance)
Source: Eurosurveillance - March 28, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Rapha ëlle Klitting, Géraldine Piorkowski, Dominique Rousset, André Cabié, Etienne Frumence, Alisé Lagrave, Anne Lavergne, Antoine Enfissi, George Dos Santos, Laurence Fagour, Raymond Césaire, Marie-Christine Jaffar-Bandjee, Nicolas Traversier, Patr Source Type: research
Atypical age distribution and high disease severity in children with RSV infections during two irregular epidemic seasons throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Germany, 2021 to 2023
ConclusionsHigh RSV-infection risk in 2–4-year-olds in 2021 and increased disease severity in 2022/23 possibly result from lower baseline population immunity, after NPIs diminished exposure to RSV. (Source: Eurosurveillance)
Source: Eurosurveillance - March 28, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Wei Cai, Sophie K öndgen, Kristin Tolksdorf, Ralf Dürrwald, Ekkehard Schuler, Barbara Biere, Brunhilde Schweiger, Luise Goerlitz, Walter Haas, Thorsten Wolff, Silke Buda and Janine Reiche Source Type: research
Questioning risk compensation: pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men, capital region of Denmark, 2019 to 2022
ConclusionWe found a 35% increase in STI incidence associated with PrEP use. It started before PrEP initiation, challenging the assumption that PrEP leads to risk compensation. Instead, the data suggest that individuals seek PrEP during periods of heightened sexual risk-taking. Consequently, PrEP programmes should include sexual health consultations, STI testing, treatment and prevention strategies to prevent HIV and improve sexual health. (Source: Eurosurveillance)
Source: Eurosurveillance - March 28, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Sebastian von Schreeb, Susanne Kriegel Pedersen, Hanne Christensen, Kristina Melbardis J ørgsensen, Lene Holm Harritshøj, Frederik Boetius Hertz, Magnus Glindvad Ahlström, Anne-Mette Lebech, Suzanne Lunding, Lars Nørregaard Nielsen, Jan Gerstoft, Gitt Source Type: research
COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2 BA.1/BA.2 lineages among adults and adolescents in a multicentre primary care study, Europe, December 2021 to June 2022
ConclusionPrimary series and booster VE against symptomatic infection with BA.1/BA.2 ranged from 37% to 42%, with similar waning post vaccination. Comprehensive data on previous SARS-CoV-2 infection would help disentangle vaccine- and infection-induced immunity. (Source: Eurosurveillance)
Source: Eurosurveillance - March 28, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Charlotte Lani èce Delaunay, Iván Martínez-Baz, Noémie Sève, Lisa Domegan, Clara Mazagatos, Silke Buda, Adam Meijer, Irina Kislaya, Catalina Pascu, AnnaSara Carnahan, Beatrix Oroszi, Maja Ilić, Marine Maurel, Aryse Melo, Virginia Sandonis Martín, C Source Type: research
Authors ’ correction for Euro Surveill. 2024;29(11)
(Source: Eurosurveillance)
Source: Eurosurveillance - March 21, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Eurosurveillance editorial team Source Type: research
Tuberculosis in people of Ukrainian origin in the European Union and the European Economic Area, 2019 to 2022
Approximately five million Ukrainians were displaced to the EU/EEA following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While tuberculosis (TB) notification rates per 100,000 Ukrainians in the EU/EEA remained stable, the number of notified TB cases in Ukrainians increased almost fourfold (mean 2019–2021: 201; 2022: 780). In 2022, 71% cases were notified in three countries, and almost 20% of drug-resistant TB cases were of Ukrainian origin. Targeted healthcare services for Ukrainians are vital for early diagnosis and treatment, and preventing transmission. (Source: Eurosurveillance)
Source: Eurosurveillance - March 21, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Krista Stoycheva, Veronica Cristea, Csaba K ödmön, Senia Rosales-Klintz, Dominik Zenner, Anca Vasiliu, Marieke van der Werf and Christoph Lange Source Type: research
