Latest news with #ECDC
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Urgent warning over alarming spike in killer virus in four holiday hotspots - bug can cause liver failure
Holidaymakers jetting off to four popular European destinations could be at risk of deadly 'dirty hands disease' experts warn. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has identified a surge in hepatitis A infections sweeping through Europe, after nine people died from the virus. Hepatitis A—which is caused by a virus spread via contaminated faeces making its way into food and drink—can be deadly, causing catastrophic liver failure. Now health officials have confirmed 2,097 cases of the disease, across four popular holiday destinations including Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. According to a new ECDC report, Slovakia has been hit the hardest in terms of the sheer number of cases, with 880 confirmed in 2025 alone. Cases in Austria have already topped last year's figures, with 87 confirmed diagnoses including three deaths this year. Hungary has so far reported 530 cases this year, mostly among adults. But, the Czech Republic—with 600 cases—has reported the most deaths linked to the virus, with six fatalities following serious liver infections, with young children the most likely to fall victim. Because the virus is spread through contact with faeces—giving it the name 'dirty hand disease'—children who don't wash their hands properly before eating are more likely to contract it. Hepatitis A has few noticeable symptoms in its early stages but if left untreated can lead to liver failure and even prove fatal. Signs of the infection include a high temperature, flu-like symptoms—such as fatigue, headache and muscle pains—nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, pale grey coloured faeces and itchy skin. In more severe cases, an infected person's skin and eyes may appear yellow—a condition known as jaundice and a serious sign the liver is struggling to function. But the NHS warns that most children, and some adults, may have no symptoms indicating they are infected. Dr Barbora Macková, chief hygienist and director of the Czech Republic, said: 'In the current epidemiological situation, we recommend getting vaccinated before the start of holidays and vacations.' The warning comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is tracking a mystery spike in Hepatitis A infections in Britain, after 95 people developed a serious liver infection, with 58 so ill they needed to be hospitalised. Officials have reported two separate clusters of the virus across the UK, with 53 cases having been reported since December 2024 alone in the latest wave. Analysis of patient interviews has linked the outbreak to an unnamed specific food item purchased from an unnamed supermarket, which most patients reported consuming before falling ill. No deaths in Britain linked to the outbreak have yet been reported. Anyone who has not been vaccinated or previously infected is at a higher risk of catching Hepatitis A. Patients diagnosed with the virus are advised not to drink alcohol, prepare food or drink for other people, have sex without a barrier method like a condom, or share needles with others until they are no longer infectious. This is usually around seven days after initial symptoms start, for those who do not have jaundice. Hepatitis A vaccines are not routinely given in the UK due to the generally low risk of getting the infection. But the NHS does advise the jab for travellers heading to places where the virus is more common. These include parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America. Hepatitis A very rarely rare cause of death in the UK — between 2005 and 2021, only 42 deaths were recorded with the virus as an underlying cause.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Urgent warning over alarming spike in virus that ‘can cause serious illness and death' in 4 European holiday hotspots
FOUR Brit-favourite holiday hotspots have seen spikes in fatal and fast-spreading 'dirty hands disease'. Hundreds have fallen ill, and some have died, as hepatitis A sweeps through parts of Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia this year. 5 5 The potentially deadly virus is spread via the poo of infected people, which is why Czech health chiefs nicknamed it 'dirty hands disease' in a statement last month. The virus inflames the liver, stopping it from working properly. This means it can't clear a substance called bilirubin from the body. When bilirubin builds up, it causes jaundice, making the skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow. It can also lead to dark urine and cause itchy skin. But in some cases, people show no symptoms at all - making it even easier for the virus to spread unnoticed among crowds. The four affected countries have reported 2097 cases of hepatitis A in 2025, according to a risk assessment published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) yesterday. Slovakia, which has been experiencing an ongoing outbreak since late 2022, has reported 880 cases reported in 2025 alone. This year, Austria has recorded 87 confirmed cases, including three deaths, already exceeding its 2024 total. In Czechia, 600 cases have been confirmed in 2025, including six deaths, with young children being the most affected group. Hungary has reported 530 cases this year, mainly among adults. Germany, while not officially affected, has detected three cases genetically linked to outbreaks in Hungary and Austria, suggesting the outbreak might be gaining traction in Western Europe. The increase in hepatitis A cases is mainly hitting unvaccinated adults who are homeless, use or inject drugs, or live in poor sanitary conditions without much access to healthcare. There have also been cases reported in Roma communities in Czechia and Slovakia. Czech have previously officials urged anyone planning to visit the country to check their vaccine records and get jabbed before travelling. "In the current epidemiological situation, we recommend getting vaccinated before the start of holidays and vacations," Dr Barbora Macková, chief hygienist and director of the SZÚ said in a statement. Hep A vaccines are not routinely given out in the UK due to the low risk of getting the infection. 5 5 But the NHS does advise the jab for travellers heading to places where the virus is more common. These include parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America. You should also get vaccinated if you've recently been close to someone with hepatitis A. If you have long-term liver disease or a blood clotting disorder like haemophilia, you should get the jab. Men who have sex with men and people with jobs that expose them to the virus, like healthcare or sewage workers, should also be vaccinated. Speak to your GP if you think you need a hepatitis A vaccine.
Irish Independent
13-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Irish holidaymakers heading to European hotspots warned of ‘mild increase' in Covid
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said it is closely monitoring Covid activity Europe and the emergence of the recently identified Omicron-descendant variant NB.1.8.1. also known as Nimbus. People may be more at risk of catching the virus because cases in winter were low and they will not have immunity. The variant is already in Ireland and is regarded as more infectious although it does not cause more severe disease. The ECDC said it has been associated with a rise in infections in some countries in Asia, including China, Hong Kong and Singapore. ECDC is tracking five variants currently circulating, including NB.1.8.1, now classified as a 'variant under monitoring' by both ECDC and the World Health Organization (WHO). It said that while recent weeks have shown a mild increase in SARS-CoV-2 activity from low baseline levels in European countries, respiratory primary care consultation rates remain at or below levels typically observed during this period in past seasons. Importantly, no significant impact on severe disease indicators – such as hospital admissions, intensive care unit admissions or deaths – has been observed so far. 'SARS-CoV-2 is currently circulating at low levels in the EU/EEA, but its incidence could increase in the coming weeks', said Edoardo Colzani, ECDC Head of Respiratory Viruses. 'We do not anticipate the NB.1.8.1 variant to pose a greater public health risk than other Omicron-descendant variants, nor do we expect a significant impact on vaccine effectiveness against severe disease. 'However, following a winter with low SARS-CoV-2 circulation, population immunity against SARS-CoV-2 may have partly waned – particularly among older adults and other individuals who are at higher risk of severe disease – potentially increasing vulnerability as virus activity rises,' he added. Covid-19 vaccination coverage in older adults remains suboptimal in several EU/EEA countries, with only one country exceeding 80pc coverage among those 80 years old and above, and seven achieving more than 50pc coverage. ECDC re-affirms that Covid-19 vaccines continue to offer strong protection against severe outcomes. ECDC said it recommends maintaining timely and continuous, year-round surveillance and reporting of respiratory viruses across the EU/EEA. In case of sustained increases in COVID-19 cases, key recommendations include staying home when ill, practising good respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene, and ensuring appropriate ventilation of indoor spaces. People with high risk for severe disease – as well as their caregivers and close contacts – should consider using a face mask when in crowded public spaces. It is important that risk groups, including older adults, keep up to date with their Covid vaccinations as per national recommendations to maintain protection against severe disease
Scottish Sun
10-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 5 holiday hotspots where medieval children's virus is resurging – amid warning to Brits heading abroad
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MEDIEVAL virus that can cause deadly side effects in some children is surging through holiday hotspots, health officials have warned. Almost 1,000 measles cases were reported across 29 European countries in April alone, warned the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). 2 Health authorities have warned Brits about measles cases in European holiday spots Credit: Getty Cases were highest in destinations popular with UK travellers, such as France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and Romania. It comes after British health authorities sounded the alarm over a potential surge of measles in England, warning families may bring back the contagious disease after travel abroad this summer. They urged families to make sure their kids are up to date with their vaccines before going on holiday - taking special care they've received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab. A dip in childhood vaccinations - including the jab that protects against measles - in England leaves more children at risk of disease, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) explained. "Measles is an acute, highly contagious viral disease capable of causing epidemics," the ECDC wrote in its report. "It is a serious disease that can lead to complications and even death." The infection starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash and white spots in the mouth a few days later. In some cases, the virus can lead to life-threatening complications, like brain inflammation and pneumonia. The best way to protect yourself from getting ill is getting the MMR vaccine. But if you haven't received the jab, it's almost 100 per cent likely you'll get infected if you come in contact with someone with measles, according to the ECDC. Powerful new video urges all parents to protect their children from surge of deadly Victorian disease as millions 'at risk' In April 2025, 975 measles cases were reported by 18 EU countries, the ECDC said. "The highest case counts were reported by Romania (402), France (186), Netherlands (111), Belgium (100) and Spain (52)," it wrote. The health watchdog noted that case numbers for April were lower than those reported in March - but it said a number of measles outbreaks have been reported in the region in the past year. Countries such as Italy have also seen high case numbers - with 85 reported in March and 36 in April. Between May 2024 and April 2025, 30 European countries reported a total of 22,481 cases of measles. Almost half (44 per cent) occurred in children under the age of five, while 29 per cent occurred in people aged 15 and over. "The highest notification rates were observed in infants under one year of age and children aged one to four years," the ECDC wrote. Health authorities were given information about people's vaccination status for 20,669 cases of the cases reported in the last 12 months. Eighty-five per cent of them occurred in unvaccinated patients and another 9 per cent occurred in people with just one dose of the MMR jab. Among the 7,194 cases reported in children aged one to four, 84 per cent were unvaccinated and 10 per cent had one dose of a measles-containing vaccine. The main symptoms of measles MEASLES is highly contagious and can cause serious problems in some people. The infection usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. The first signs include: A high temperature A runny or blocked nose Sneezing A cough Red, sore, watery eyes Small white spots may then appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips. A rash tends to come next. This usually starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. The spots are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They are not normally itchy. The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on darker skin. Complications are rare, but measles can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, seizures, and sometimes death. Source: NHS The first MMR vaccine is offered to infants when they turn one year old and the second dose to pre-school children when they are around three years and four months old. "Infants under one year are particularly vulnerable to measles and its complications," the ECDC wrote. "They are best protected by a high level of herd immunity." Fourteen deaths as a result of measles were reported to ECDC during the 12-month period - twelve of these in Romania and two in France. There were 127,350 cases of measles in Europe last year, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). This was double the amount reported in 2023 and the highest number since 1997. And UKHSA said that so far this year, outbreaks have been documented in France, Italy, Spain and Germany. The health watchdog said it was "concerned that more outbreaks may occur again on a larger scale this summer as families with unvaccinated children and adults travel to countries where there are outbreaks". "Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases and spreads rapidly among those who are unvaccinated," it stressed. Since the start of the year, there have been 420 confirmed infections in England, 109 of these in April and 86 in May - though UKHSA said the figures for last month are likely to be an underestimate. Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, issued a warning to Brits for the summer: "It's essential that everyone, particularly parents of young children, check all family members are up to date with 2 MMR doses, especially if you are travelling this summer for holidays or visiting family. "Measles cases are picking up again in England and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK.
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The 5 holiday hotspots where medieval children's virus is resurging – amid warning to Brits heading abroad
A MEDIEVAL virus that can cause deadly side effects in some children is surging through holiday hotspots, health officials have warned. Almost 1,000 measles cases were reported across 29 European countries in April alone, warned the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). 2 Cases were highest in destinations popular with UK travellers, such as France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and Romania. It comes after British health authorities sounded the alarm over a potential surge of measles in England, warning families may bring back the contagious disease after travel abroad this summer. They urged families to make sure their kids are up to date with their vaccines before going on holiday - taking special care they've received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab. A dip in childhood vaccinations - including the jab that protects against measles - in England leaves more children at risk of disease, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) explained. "Measles is an acute, highly contagious viral disease capable of causing epidemics," the ECDC wrote in its report. "It is a serious disease that can lead to complications and even death." The infection starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash and white spots in the mouth a few days later. In some cases, the virus can lead to life-threatening complications, like brain inflammation and pneumonia. The best way to protect yourself from getting ill is getting the MMR vaccine. But if you haven't received the jab, it's almost 100 per cent likely you'll get infected if you come in contact with someone with measles, according to the ECDC. In April 2025, 975 measles cases were reported by 18 EU countries, the ECDC said. "The highest case counts were reported by Romania (402), France (186), Netherlands (111), Belgium (100) and Spain (52)," it wrote. The health watchdog noted that case numbers for April were lower than those reported in March - but it said a number of measles outbreaks have been reported in the region in the past year. Countries such as Italy have also seen high case numbers - with 85 reported in March and 36 in April. Between May 2024 and April 2025, 30 European countries reported a total of 22,481 cases of measles. Almost half (44 per cent) occurred in children under the age of five, while 29 per cent occurred in people aged 15 and over. "The highest notification rates were observed in infants under one year of age and children aged one to four years," the ECDC wrote. Health authorities were given information about people's vaccination status for 20,669 cases of the cases reported in the last 12 months. Eighty-five per cent of them occurred in unvaccinated patients and another 9 per cent occurred in people with just one dose of the MMR jab. Among the 7,194 cases reported in children aged one to four, 84 per cent were unvaccinated and 10 per cent had one dose of a measles-containing vaccine. The main symptoms of measles MEASLES is highly contagious and can cause serious problems in some people. The infection usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. The first signs include: Small white spots may then appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips. A rash tends to come next. This usually starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. The spots are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They are not normally itchy. The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on darker skin. Complications are rare, but measles can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, seizures, and sometimes death. Source: NHS The first MMR vaccine is offered to infants when they turn one year old and the second dose to pre-school children when they are around three years and four months old. "Infants under one year are particularly vulnerable to measles and its complications," the ECDC wrote. "They are best protected by a high level of herd immunity." Fourteen deaths as a result of measles were reported to ECDC during the 12-month period - twelve of these in Romania and two in France. There were 127,350 cases of measles in Europe last year, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). This was double the amount reported in 2023 and the highest number since 1997. And UKHSA said that so far this year, outbreaks have been documented in France, Italy, Spain and Germany. The health watchdog said it was "concerned that more outbreaks may occur again on a larger scale this summer as families with unvaccinated children and adults travel to countries where there are outbreaks". "Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases and spreads rapidly among those who are unvaccinated," it stressed. Since the start of the year, there have been 420 confirmed infections in England, 109 of these in April and 86 in May - though UKHSA said the figures for last month are likely to be an underestimate. Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, issued a warning to Brits for the summer: "It's essential that everyone, particularly parents of young children, check all family members are up to date with 2 MMR doses, especially if you are travelling this summer for holidays or visiting family. "Measles cases are picking up again in England and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK.
