Chikungunya, local transmission, France, update: a total of 8 locally transmitted cases of chikungunya have been reported from the mainland of southern France and from Corsica. The initial transmissions occurred through secondary spread of imported chikungunya infections by locally present tiger mosquitoes. There is a risk of further local propagation of transmissions.
Poliomyelitis, global situation: Despite the WHO European Region being polio-free since 2002, wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) remains endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan, where 14 cases have been reported in 2025 so far. Circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs), particularly type 2 (cVDPV2), continue to spread, with 75 cases reported in 2025 across 10 countries. The EU/EEA remains at risk due to under-vaccinated populations. Romania is classified as high-risk and five other countries (Austria, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia) are at intermediate risk of polio resurgence. To prevent reintroduction, the ECDC stresses the need for high vaccination coverage and strong surveillance. People traveling to high-risk areas are advised to receive a polio booster.
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), fatal, Greece (Elassona, Thessaly): The patient, a man over 70, presented with a severe clinical picture and later died. CCHF is a tick-borne viral disease that can range from asymptomatic to severe hemorrhagic fever with high mortality (30–50% in hospitalized cases). Symptoms appear 1–14 days post-exposure and may include fever, headache, nausea, muscle pain, and, in severe cases, bleeding, organ failure, or shock. While the disease is rare, it poses a serious threat due to the lack of specific treatment. Globally, CCHF causes 10,000–15,000 infections annually and has been recorded in over 30 countries, including several in Europe, with a case earlier this year in Salamanca, Spain. Ticks harbouring the virus have also been found in het French Pyrenees and on Corsica. In Greece, the last known case was in 2008. High-risk groups include people with exposure to ticks or animal blood, such as farmers, hunters, campers, and healthcare workers.
Scrub typhus Nepal: Scrub typhus has emerged as a significant public health concern in Nepal, with rising cases across both rural and urban areas. Caused by the mite-borne bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, the disease spreads through bites from infected chiggers and can lead to serious complications, including multi-organ failure and death, if not treated promptly. Nationwide, 16,597 scrub typhus cases were reported in 2024–25. Initially linked to rural environments, scrub typhus is now affecting urban populations as well. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics like doxycycline or azithromycin can prevent severe outcomes. However, limited awareness among health workers and inadequate diagnostic facilities remain challenges. Misdiagnosis is common, as symptoms overlap with other illnesses. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt treatment can prevent fatal complications.
July 2025
The ESCMID-AUMC Epi Alert, a strategic collaboration between the ESCMID Emerging Infections Subcommittee and the Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine of Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC) that integrates expertise and resources to advance emerging infectious diseases surveillance and intelligence sharing. This collaboration integrates ESCMID's extensive international network and emerging infections expertise with AUMC's proven surveillance capabilities, led by Dr. Abraham Goorhuis and the AUMC team.
The Epi Alert aims for weekly publication, with frequency adapted to emerging threats. The briefings are curated by infectious disease specialists prioritising data from trusted sources (WHO, ECDC, CDC, ProMED) based on potential impact, geographic region and urgency/relevancy to clinical practice. It aims to provide concise summaries for busy healthcare professionals with direct links for further investigation and transparency.
This integrated collaboration represents a significant milestone in ESCMID's commitment to emerging infections preparedness, strengthening our collective capacity to detect, analyse, and respond to infectious disease threats through international cooperation.
The recent re-emergence of avian influenza (H5N1) in parts of Asia, including isolated human cases in Cambodia and India, highlights the need for continued vigilance. While sustained human-to-human transmission has not been observed, the current situation warrants close monitoring. Strengthening surveillance, improving poultry vaccination strategies, and promoting regional One Health collaborations can support risk assessment and management, including early containment efforts.
Since the previous update on 5 May 2025, and as of 12 May 2025, nine new MERS-CoV cases—including two deaths—have been reported by health authorities in Saudi Arabia, bringing the total number of cases this year to ten.
Seven of the recent cases were part of the same cluster in Riyadh, including one patient with no history of contact with camels and six healthcare workers who acquired nosocomial infections from that patient in early May.
The risk of sustained human-to-human transmission in Europe remains very low. However, the current MERS-CoV situation is concerning, as this rise in cases comes just two weeks ahead of the Mecca pilgrimage—a period typically associated with high international travel.
Since April 2012, and as of 12 May 2025, a total of 2,638 confirmed MERS cases—including 957 deaths—have been reported globally.
A Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak is evolving in Rwanda, East Africa. As of 7 October 2024, over 40 confirmed MVD cases have been reported, mainly in healthcare facilities in Kigali, with many healthcare workers affected. This outbreak represents a spread from known endemic areas to urban settings, including nosocomial transmission in Kigali hospitals. While outbreaks are typically limited to remote areas, this one spans across Rwanda, with potential for satellite cases and further spread. No vaccines or treatments are currently available.
This compilation includes the latest news, publications, and resources, covering recent developments such as vaccine distribution in Africa and WHO policy updates. It provides links to '2022-2024 Mpox Outbreak: Global Trends,' which features interactive dashboards and epidemiological data. This update offers a brief overview of the developments of the mpox situation for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers.
As of August 2024, the world is facing a significant mpox outbreak, primarily affecting countries in Central and East Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighbouring countries, with cases reported across several regions. The outbreak is characterised by the sustained human-to-human transmission of the clade I monkeypox virus (MPXV).
This ESCMID EIS mpox commentary provides up-to-date, evidence-based information on mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) for healthcare professionals, researchers, and public health officials.