Eurosurveillance最新文献

Between July and October 2025, among the total 117 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 strains characterised in Catalonia, 20% to 100% per week were carrying the NA:S247N substitution. The mutation, conferring reduced susceptibility to oseltamivir, was phenotypically confirmed (IC₅₀ between 0.82 and 1.63 nM, compared to median IC₅₀ of 0.3 nM for susceptible strains). An increased proportion of S247N variants was also observed in sequence data (10,944 sequences) from other parts of Spain and five of 35 submitting countries across Europe.

BACKGROUNDPertussis remains a serious threat to young infants. In Norway, infants receive an acellular pertussis vaccine (aP) according to a 2 + 1 schedule at 3, 5 and 12 months of age, delivered as a hexavalent vaccine.AIMWe aimed to study susceptibility to pertussis in mothers and infants to guide decisions regarding vaccination in pregnancy.METHODSIn this prospective observational study, we included 366 mother/infant pairs during 2020-2023, collecting blood samples from mothers in late pregnancy, cord blood at delivery and from infants before their first and after their third vaccine dose. We retrieved health registry data on vaccination and pregnancy-related information. IgG antibody levels against pertussis-antigens, diphtheria and tetanus were measured using a multiplex immunoassay.RESULTSOf the pregnant women, 48% (174/366) had low levels of antibodies against pertussis toxin (PT) defined as below 5 IU/mL. Maternal antibodies declined in infants from birth until first vaccination, leaving 72% (154/215) of infants with anti-PT IgG levels below 5 IU/mL. All infants responded well to vaccination and we found no evidence of blunting from high levels (> 40 IU/mL) of maternal antibodies against PT. Infants of mothers who received an aP-containing booster vaccine within 2 years before pregnancy displayed low anti-PT IgG levels, with 58% (15/26) having levels below 5 IU/mL.CONCLUSIONA high proportion of pregnant women and their infants under 3 months of age had low anti-PT antibody levels, indicating high susceptibility to pertussis. The results support the introduction of vaccination against pertussis during pregnancy in Norway.

Ralstonia mannitolilytica is a rare emerging, multidrug-resistant, opportunistic pathogen known to cause nosocomial outbreaks associated with hospital water sources and medical devices. In June 2024, the microbiology laboratory of Lausanne University Hospital alerted the Infection Prevention and Control Unit following the detection of R. mannitolilytica in clinical samples from two intensive care unit (ICU) patients. This triggered a comprehensive epidemiological investigation, including extensive environmental sampling and whole genome sequencing of the isolates. Between May and June 2024, R. mannitolilytica was detected in three ICU patients. Activation of the Swissnoso network led to the identification of an additional case in a rehabilitation centre. Environmental investigations traced the source to commercial cosmetic water mist sprays used for patient care. The sequences confirmed a genetic match between patient and spray isolates, prompting the immediate withdrawal of this product. This nosocomial outbreak of R. mannitolilytica revealed an unexpected and seemingly innocuous source of contamination - water mist sprays - highlighting the importance of considering cosmetics products used in patient care and questioning their use in patients with risk factors, such as those in ICU or with immunosuppression.

In August-October 2025, an mpox outbreak with monkeypox virus clade Ib was identified in Ireland, involving four epidemiologically linked cases. The cluster originated from a traveller returning from Pakistan via the United Arab Emirates and includes a nosocomial infection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed genetic clustering with an Omani sequence, suggesting Eastern Mediterranean Region transmission routes. This outbreak underscores the importance of clinical vigilance, rapid molecular diagnostics and coordinated public health responses to prevent onward clade Ib transmission in non-endemic countries.

In June 2025, two autochthonous Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever cases were recorded in Greece; a fatal index case and a healthcare worker secondarily infected. With only one autochthonous case previously reported in Greece, in 2008, this event was unexpected and triggered a One Health response: cases investigation, contact tracing, infection prevention and control guidance, field investigation, preventive measures targeting vectors and possible animal hosts, as well as awareness-raising measures. Although Greece is non-endemic for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, some neighbouring countries are endemic, and this event underscores the need for enhanced surveillance, vigilance and multisectoral collaboration.

BACKGROUNDShiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) can cause illnesses ranging from self-limiting diarrhoea to severe manifestations such as haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS). In 2023, an increase in notified STEC cases was observed in the German federal state of Lower Saxony and nationwide.AIMWe aimed to investigate possible reasons for the observed increase.METHODSWe analysed data on notified STEC cases at federal and state level. All available STEC isolates from Lower Saxony from 2023 were whole genome sequenced. We sent a survey on detection and identification methods to 25 clinical microbiology laboratories in Lower Saxony.RESULTSIn 2023, a statistically significant increase in notified STEC cases in all ages was seen in Lower Saxony and nationwide when compared with case numbers in 2022 and the median of 2015-2019 (p < 0.01). The highest increase was observed in people aged 60-69 years: 110 cases were notified in Lower Saxony in 2023 (median 2015-2019: 26) and 471 cases nationwide (median 2015-2019: 182). No overall increase was seen in disease severity or in the number of HUS cases. No larger genetic clusters or outbreaks were identified in Lower Saxony. The survey among the 17 responding laboratories in Lower Saxony revealed an increased use of multiplex PCR assays for gastrointestinal pathogens, introduced mainly in 2023.CONCLUSIONThe increase in notified STEC cases was probably associated with the implementation of multiplex PCR assays for the analysis of gastrointestinal specimens. Our findings highlight the need to monitor diagnostic practices when assessing and evaluating surveillance data.

In Australia and New Zealand, late outbreaks of an A(H3N2) variant virus termed subclade K extended the 2025 influenza season. Subclade K viruses were genetically and antigenically distinct from the 2025 vaccine A(H3N2) strain A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2)-like virus and previously circulating subclade J viruses. Subclade K viruses have since been detected in over 34 countries and appear to have spread globally, except in South America. It is thus likely that they will further expand during the northern hemisphere winter 2025/26 season.

BACKGROUNDCampylobacter is one of the leading causes of gastrointestinal disease.AIMWe aimed to investigate trends in the incidence rate of campylobacteriosis in Israel.METHODSWe collected data on laboratory-confirmed cases of campylobacteriosis reported to the Israel Sentinel Laboratory-Based Surveillance Network (ISLBSN) in 2013-2022. Trends in the incidence rates of campylobacteriosis were evaluated using the Joinpoint software to calculate annual percent change (APC) and by time series analysis auto-regressive integrated moving average model.RESULTSBetween 2013 and 2022, 43,334 cases of campylobacteriosis were reported to the ISLBSN. The highest incidence rate of campylobacteriosis was observed in children aged 0-4 years (327.8/100,000) and overall, the incidence rate was higher among Jews and others (98.7/100,000) than among Arabs (85.9/100,000). However, the incidence rate among Arabs aged 0-4 years was higher (546.3/100,000) than among Jews and others (316.9/100,000). The incidence rate decreased significantly from 101.7 per 100,000 in 2013 to 79.4 per 100,000 in 2020 (APC = -2.7%) and then increased to 109.5 per 100,000 in 2022 (APC = 13.9%). We identified consistent peaks in incidence rate in April-May, specifically among Jews and others, with no corresponding increase among Arabs. Passover weeks were associated with a significantly higher risk of campylobacteriosis (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.23; p < 0.0001) compared with non-Passover weeks.CONCLUSIONCampylobacteriosis incidence rate in Israel is high, particularly among young children. Collaboration between veterinary and public health authorities and timely public awareness campaigns, especially before holidays, are essential to reduce zoonotic transmission and prevent future peaks.

BACKGROUNDIn September 2023, monkeypox virus (MPXV) clade Ib emerged in Kamituga, a mining zone in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), primarily through sexual transmission.AIMWe aimed to investigate cases in a MPXV clade Ib outbreak in Uvira, eastern DRC.METHODSFrom June to October 2024, we collected demographic, exposure and clinical data from suspected mpox cases at Uvira hospital and in households. The virus was identified by PCR. We investigated putative transmission patterns, disease severity and risk factors.RESULTSWe identified 973 suspected cases: 415 (42.7%) were tested with PCR and 322 (77.6%) were confirmed. The median age of suspected cases was 9 years (interquartile range (IQR): 3-20 years), with 620 (63.7%) aged < 15 and 344 (35.4%) < 5 years. Severe disease (≥ 100 lesions) was more common in cases aged < 15 years (25.6%; 142/554) than others (16.1%; 49/304; p < 0.001). Twenty-two (12.2%) of 181 cases aged < 5 years had acute malnutrition. Seven cases died; the overall case-fatality ratio was 0.7%, and in infants (aged < 1 year) it was 3.9% (5/127). Of 329 suspected cases tested for HIV, six (1.8%) were positive. Nineteen (14.5%) of 131 females aged 15-49 years were pregnant. Most reported exposures to suspected mpox cases occurred in households (67.9%; 298/439). Sexual (6.0%; 19/318) or healthcare-related occupational exposures (1.4%; 6/417) were less common. Animal exposures were few (5.0%; 39/776) and predominantly domestic (97.4%; 38/39).CONCLUSIONThis child-centred outbreak, driven by non-sexual transmission, underscores the need for paediatric vaccines, nutritional support and household interventions. Adult-focused responses alone may be insufficient to control the outbreak.