ECDC data show that hepatitis B prevalence among children under five years is now close to zero, reflecting the impact of long-running immunisation and perinatal prevention efforts. Routine hepatitis B screening in pregnancy is established across all EU/EEA countries, helping drive mother-to-child transmission below 2%. This is a key example of prevention working at population scale.

Acute hepatitis B infections have also fallen since 2006. Among people under 25, the share of acute cases dropped from 11% in 2015 to 8% in 2024. The trend supports the role of childhood vaccination programmes and strengthened infection control. Yet the remaining burden indicates that not every pathway of transmission is fully interrupted.

For hepatitis B and C prevention, Europe relies on multiple layers: vaccination for hepatitis B, harm reduction and infection control to block transmission, early testing, and therapies that either cure hepatitis C or suppress hepatitis B. Blood safety systems, including screening and regulatory standards for blood, tissues and cells, further reduce iatrogenic risk.

Even with these measures, viral hepatitis remains a substantial health threat. ECDC estimates around five million people in the EU/EEA live with chronic hepatitis B or C, and nearly 60,000 hepatitis-related deaths occur annually. These figures underscore the need to combine prevention with timely diagnosis and linkage to care.

A major obstacle is incomplete community-level prevention. Only nine of 25 EU/EEA countries meet the WHO hepatitis B vaccination goal of 95% coverage in children, and some report recent declines. Vaccination is therefore still a bottleneck rather than a solved problem.

Hepatitis C control remains particularly dependent on addressing injecting drug use. Although opioid agonist treatment and needle and syringe programmes reduce transmission, coverage is inadequate: only seven countries meet WHO targets for distribution of sterile injection equipment. ECDC and the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) have emphasised prison-focused interventions, where improving healthcare could reduce ongoing transmission.

Ultimately, the technical solution is clear—vaccinate, screen, test, treat, and implement harm reduction consistently. The policy challenge is matching those interventions to local gaps, so that elimination targets are met rather than missed.

Subject of Research: Viral hepatitis prevention and control in Europe (hepatitis B and C)

Article Title: Europe may miss the 2030 viral hepatitis elimination target, ECDC warns on World Hepatitis Day

News Publication Date: 28 July (World Hepatitis Day)

Web References: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/vaccination-coverage-dashboard

References:
– EU/EEA progress monitoring report for 2026: Prevention of hepatitis B and C in the European Union and European Economic Area, 2026
– ECDC Annual Epidemiological Report 2024: Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C (Stockholm: ECDC; 2026)

Image Credits: ECDC

Keywords: viral hepatitis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, elimination targets, vaccination coverage, perinatal transmission, harm reduction, injecting drug use, blood safety, ECDC, World Hepatitis Day

The epidemiological landscape of measles in Europe has been dominated by Romania, which accounted for a staggering 27,568 cases, along with Italy, Germany, Belgium, and Austria reporting significant outbreaks. These statistics raise critical alarm bells about the existing immunity gaps within the population, especially among children, adolescents, and adults who missed vital vaccination opportunities. The figures also tragically include 18 deaths in Romania attributed to measles, as well as one fatality in Ireland, illustrating the severe consequences of insufficient vaccination coverage.

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses, transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Its high transmission potential makes it particularly dangerous for communities with low vaccination rates where vulnerable populations, such as unvaccinated children and adults, are at increased risk.

In 2024, the first half of the year saw an alarming peak in measles cases, aligning with the seasonal trends typically observed with this viral infection. Public health officials expect a further increase in cases as this pattern often indicates elevated infection rates during spring. Consequently, authorities are concerned that without significant improvements in immunization coverage, the situation may deteriorate further in the coming years.

Vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing measles outbreaks and ensuring community immunity. The current goal is to achieve at least a 95% vaccination coverage rate in the population eligible for the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Unfortunately, estimates from 2023 reveal that only four countries—Hungary, Malta, Portugal, and Slovakia—have reached this critical threshold for both doses of the vaccine.

This insufficient vaccination rate leaves communities vulnerable, particularly children too young to be vaccinated and individuals who cannot receive immunizations for medical reasons. These gaps highlight the urgent need for public health initiatives aimed at increasing vaccination rates across all age groups to build herd immunity. Adults are also part of this equation; many adults who contracted measles last year had not received the vaccine, indicating a pressing need for education and resources for this demographic as well.

Notably, during the identified period, detailed analysis of cases showed that 86% of those diagnosed with measles were unvaccinated. Among children aged one to four—the prime target demographic for national immunization campaigns—a staggering 84% were also unvaccinated at the time of infection. These numbers elucidate that national immunization programs are falling short in effectively protecting young and susceptible populations.

The MMR vaccine is well-established, safe, and effective, having been in use for decades. Each EU/EEA member state incorporates the recommended two doses of MMR vaccine into their national immunization schedules, with the first dose typically administered between ages 12 and 15 months and the second dose between ages three and seven years. Thus, adhering to this vaccination schedule is crucial for ensuring full immunity against the virus.

Protection against measles extends beyond individual health, encompassing the broader concept of herd immunity, which is essential for safeguarding those unable to be vaccinated. The goal is to maintain high vaccination rates to prevent disease outbreaks in communities, thereby protecting the most vulnerable, including infants who have not yet reached the eligible vaccination age.

Public health authorities have noted that in situations where there is an outbreak or where individuals are traveling to regions where measles is endemic, healthcare providers may recommend an early dose of the MMR vaccine for infants under one year of age. This strategy, while beneficial, must still align with national guidelines to ensure complete vaccination coverage is achieved over time.

Furthermore, awareness of measles and its symptoms is essential for both healthcare providers and the general public. Recognizing characteristics such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive red rash that typically starts at the hairline and spreads downward is critical for prompt identification and management. Complications from measles can be severe, including pneumonia and encephalitis, and have the potential to result in mortality.

Travel-related measles transmission emphasizes the need for vigilance as the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to report outbreaks globally. Travelers are strongly advised to confirm their vaccination status before departing to ensure adequate protection, considering the MMR vaccine takes approximately two weeks to become effective following administration.

Moving forward, it is crucial for both adults and children to regularly check their immunization status. Ensuring vaccinations are up to date as per the MMR vaccine schedule plays a pivotal role in curbing the spread of measles. Engaging with healthcare professionals for guidance on vaccination history and ensuring children are vaccinated according to national standards is imperative.

Health authorities stress the gravity and urgency of increasing MMR vaccination coverage to preempt further outbreaks. Failure to improve vaccination rates could lead to a resurgence not only of measles but also leave populations vulnerable to other preventable diseases.

Ultimately, raising awareness about the benefits of vaccination and addressing hesitancy through well-informed discussions can empower communities to reclaim the immunity levels necessary to protect against measles and ensure the health of future generations.

Subject of Research: Measles Vaccination and Outbreak Trends in Europe
Article Title: Measles Outbreaks Expose Vaccine Gaps: A Call to Action
News Publication Date: February 2025
Web References: ECDC
References: Data provided by the ECDC and WHO reports
Image Credits: European Centre for Disease Prevention and control (ECDC)

Keywords: Measles, Vaccination, Public Health, Outbreak, Immunization, Herd Immunity

Historically, polio, caused by the poliovirus, presents significant health risks, particularly to children, leading to paralysis and, in severe cases, death. Despite its consequential impact, the disease largely faded from public consciousness in Europe, largely due to robust vaccination initiatives started decades ago. These efforts have played a pivotal role in reducing the incidence of poliovirus infections, thereby ensuring that Europe has maintained a polio-free status since 2002. Nevertheless, Rendi-Wagner and Kluge assert that vigilance remains essential as the threat of polio persists through global circulation of the virus.

The recent findings underscore that the poliovirus continues to pose a threat to Europe’s public health landscape. Evidence suggests that pathogenic poliovirus has been detected in at least one European country annually from 2015 to 2022. Particularly troubling, during wastewater surveillance conducted in 2024, vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 was identified in the wastewater systems of 14 cities across five nations: Spain, Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Finland. This detection illustrates that even in regions where vaccination rates are high, the potential for outbreaks remains, especially when vulnerabilities exist within certain communities.

Moreover, analysis reveals that the detected vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 is linked to a lineage first identified in Nigeria in 2020, subsequently spreading to multiple countries in Africa, where it contributed to outbreaks in at least 15 nations. The genetic sequencing of samples indicates that prior to its detection in Europe, the virus had been circulating undetected for about a year. The situation serves to remind health authorities that globalization and travel can reintroduce diseases that had previously been deemed under control.

Kluge and Rendi-Wagner highlight that while Europe has not experienced widespread transmission of these viruses, the situation could change rapidly, particularly if unvaccinated individuals come into contact with the virus. Recent outbreaks in countries like Tajikistan, Ukraine, Israel, and the United Kingdom reflect the precarious state of polio susceptibility and the necessity for robust countermeasures in vaccination policies and public health preparedness.

The authors stress that a proactive public health response is critical to counter these risks. They advocate for continued high vaccination coverage across all populations to mitigate any potential resurgence of poliovirus within communities. Although the five countries that reported poliovirus in 2024 have maintained generally high immunization rates, they still face notable disparities within certain demographic groups. The ECDC estimates that approximately 2.4 million children in the EU/EEA have missed the vaccinations necessary for adequate protection since 2012, with an additional 600,000 children potentially unvaccinated in 2022-2023 alone.

In response to these findings, ECDC has released a Rapid Risk Assessment that outlines essential actions to prevent and control potential transmissions of polioviruses. This includes heightened surveillance practices, immunization campaigns targeting under-vaccinated communities, and enhanced education efforts to promote awareness about the importance of vaccinations. WHO Europe has similarly published guidance to assist countries in identifying and addressing gaps in vaccination coverage.

Crucially, Rendi-Wagner and Kluge reaffirm their commitment to collaborating effectively with national and local public health authorities to augment efforts to combat the virus. They emphasize the provision of technical resources and guidance for surveillance and outbreak responses, as well as facilitating data exchange and genetic sequencing of the detected virus strains. Moreover, they advocate for targeted communication strategies aimed at underserved populations, to bolster community engagement and vaccination uptake.

The urgency for action is palpable. Kluge and Rendi-Wagner’s editorial serves as both a rallying call and a stark reminder of the fragility of the progress made towards polio eradication. They express optimism but caution that complacency cannot be afforded in the ongoing fight against polio. Europe possesses the necessary infrastructure and commitment to maintain its polio-free status but must remain proactive and resolute in its immunization efforts to avoid falling victim to outbreaks triggered by both imported and vaccine-derived strains of the virus.

The implications of these developments go beyond Europe, highlighting the interconnectedness of global health. Efforts in one region can significantly affect health outcomes in another. The commitment to polio eradication must remain a global priority, with cooperation across borders essential for thwarting potential pandemics. As the legacy of polio continues to linger, the health community’s resolve must be unwavering to ensure that a future without polio is realized, rather than merely hoped for.

Global health security hinges on our ability to respond to and manage infectious disease threats effectively. The events unfolding in Europe showcase the necessity of maintaining high vaccination rates and building resilient health systems capable of withstanding new challenges. It is a clarion call for action that must resonate not only in Europe but throughout the world, ensuring that the lessons learned from history guide our future approaches to polio and other infectious diseases.

In conclusion, the ongoing threat of poliovirus in Europe is a powerful reminder of the importance of sustained vigilance, robust public health measures, and high vaccination coverage. As the global community reflects on the implications of these recent detections, the path forward must prioritize proactive measures to keep Europe, and indeed the world, polio-free.

Subject of Research: Public health measures and initiatives concerning poliovirus detections in Europe.
Article Title: Urgent Action Needed to Maintain Europe’s Polio-Free Status.
News Publication Date: January 30, 2025.
Web References: ECDC Rapid Risk Assessment, WHO Guidance.
References: N/A
Image Credits: N/A

Keywords: Polio, poliovirus, vaccination, public health, infectious diseases, outbreaks, Europe, health security, immunity, disease surveillance.