Newsletter
September 2025
Content:
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Importance of RSV and Preventive Measures: Overview of the impact of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), particularly on infants and young children, as well as the introduction of preventive measures through active and passive immunization.
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Introduction of Nirsevimab: Information on the approval and effectiveness of the monoclonal antibody Nirsevimab, which has been available in Austria’s free child vaccination program since December 2024.
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Genetic Stability and Monitoring: Discussion on the potential emergence of resistance-relevant mutations due to selective pressure and the necessity of close monitoring during the implementation of immunization.
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Pilot Project for Genetic Analysis: Announcement of a project for the genetic analysis of RSV-positive samples and wastewater samples to study mutations and their impact on the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies.
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RSV Diagnostics and Service Offerings: Description of routine diagnostics (RSV-PCR), rapid result delivery, and the optional sample collection service.
July 2025
Content:
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Increase in travel-associated infections and local transmissions: Climatic changes are promoting the spread of vectors such as Aedes mosquitoes, increasing the risk of local Chikungunya infections in Central Europe.
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Chikungunya virus and transmission routes: The RNA virus CHIKV is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, the latter having now spread as far as Central Europe.
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Clinical symptoms and disease progression: Typical symptoms include high fever, rash, and severe muscle and joint pain. In some cases, post-acute or chronic forms of the disease may develop.
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Diagnostics and detection methods: PCR tests are most effective within the first five days after symptom onset, while serological tests are recommended from the 8th to 10th day.
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New vaccines against Chikungunya: Two vaccines, Ixchiq® (live vaccine) and VIMKUNYA™ (inactivated vaccine), have been approved in the EU, with specific recommendations for different groups of people.
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First autochthonous Chikungunya cases in Central Europe: A case in the Alsace region highlights the growing risk of local transmissions, with a potential spread to Austria in the future.
June 2025
Content:
- Increase in Rotavirus Cases (January to Mid-June 2025): A significant rise in Rotavirus infections was observed, with one-third of cases occurring unusually between May and mid-June
- Characteristics of Rotaviruses: Rotaviruses are highly stable, unencapsulated RNA viruses that are a leading cause of gastrointestinal illnesses, particularly in young children.
- Transmission Methods: The virus spreads primarily through smear infections, contaminated objects, and occasionally through contaminated water or food.
- Age Distribution of Infections: Infections were detected in children under 5 years, adolescents, and adults, with a notable number of cases in individuals over 70 years.
- Diagnostic and Vaccination Insights: Despite an available vaccine for children, a rise in positive cases was detected using Multiplex-PCR, which also identifies other viral pathogens.
May 2025
Content:
- Tick Activity in Austria: With rising spring temperatures, Ixodes ricinus (common wood tick) becomes active again. In all life stages, they require blood meals and can transmit pathogens.
- Common Pathogens: In Austria, ticks primarily transmit Borrelia bacteria and the TBE virus, but other pathogens like Francisella, Anaplasma, and Rickettsia are also possible.
- Tick Monitoring Project: In 2024, AGES launched a nationwide tick monitoring project, examining 1,420 ticks for Borrelia. The project will continue in 2025 and expand to include additional pathogens.
- Public Participation: Found dead ticks can be sent to AGES for scientific analysis, along with details such as the date, location of the find, and the host (human or animal).
- No Individual Test Results: Submitters will not receive feedback on the test results of the ticks they send in.
April 2025
Content:
- Significant rise in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections since late 2023, especially in Europe and Asia
- PCR is the preferred diagnostic method for M. pneumoniae
- Respiratory PCR panel includes M. pneumoniae; costs covered for inpatients, not outpatients
- Cost of PCR test for private patients reduced to €40.00
March 2025
Content:
- Tick-borne disease season starts earlier and lasts longer due to climate change.
- Lyme-Borreliose progresses through three stages, with Erythema migrans in 70-80% of early cases.
- Diagnosis involves clinical assessment, exposure history, and a two-step serological test strategy.
- Cross-reactions with other infections can cause false-positive IgM results; early testing may yield false negatives.
- PCR testing of cerebrospinal fluid or joint punctures can be used for further clarification in rare cases.
February 2025
Content:
- Overview of viral gastroenteritis in Europe, focusing on Noroviruses and Rotaviruses.
- Significant increase in Norovirus cases in 2024.
- Common outbreaks in communal settings due to low infectious dose and high stability.
- Effectiveness of Rotavirus vaccination in reducing hospitalizations.
- Diagnostic “Gastro Panel” test for multiple viral pathogens.
January 2025
Content:
- Overview of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and its classification.
- Transmission methods and affected groups.
- Symptoms, severity, and immunity.
- Current infection rates and treatment.
- Preventive measures and detection methods.
December 2024
Content:
- EU Regulation 2017/746: Changes due to the EU Regulation on in-vitro diagnostics.
- Test Changes: Planned changes to various antibody tests.
- Discontinued Tests: Some tests will be discontinued due to unavailability of reagents.
- Recommendations: Alternative diagnostic methods and contact information for further inquiries.
November 2024
Content:
- Current Situation and Diagnostics: Overview of the current status of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) and diagnostic methods.
- Human Cases: Recent reports of human H5N1 cases in the US and Canada, with details on infection sources and patient conditions.
- Risk Assessment: Evaluation of the risk of H5N1 transmission to the general population in Europe, with a focus on recent outbreaks in wild and domestic birds.
- Preventive Measures: Recommendations for monitoring, testing, and preventive measures in response to the current epidemiological situation.
- Testing Protocols: Guidelines for testing patients with acute respiratory symptoms or unexplained viral encephalitis/meningoencephalitis for influenza viruses, including H5N1.
October 2024
Content:
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Human Parainfluenza Viruses (HPIV): Overview of HPIV and their significance in causing acute respiratory illnesses, especially in children under five years old.
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Seasonal Patterns: Description of the seasonal distribution of different HPIV types, with HPIV-1 and 2 peaking in autumn and winter, HPIV-3 circulating year-round, and HPIV-4 showing a preference for autumn.
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Symptoms and Risks: Common symptoms of HPIV infections, including fever, runny nose, sore throat, and cough, as well as the potential for severe complications like bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.
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Diagnostic Methods: Explanation of the multiplex PCR method used for detecting HPIV and other respiratory pathogens, highlighting its importance in clinical diagnostics.
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Infection Control: Information on the transmission of HPIV and the importance of understanding its spread for developing effective vaccines and planning vaccination campaigns.
September 2024
Content:
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Mpox Diagnostics: Information on the availability of Mpox DNA detection and Clade Ib typing in the laboratory.
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Sample Submission: Guidelines for sample collection and submission for PCR testing, including cost coverage under certain conditions.
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Clinical Criteria: Description of clinical symptoms for reporting and sample submission, such as fever, myalgia, arthralgia, and specific types of rashes.
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Epidemiological Criteria: Criteria for epidemiological links, including recent travel to endemic areas, contact with infected individuals, and exposure to animals or laboratory work involving poxviruses.
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References and Further Information: Links to additional resources and documents for more detailed information on Mpox diagnostics and procedures.
August 2024
Content:
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Dengue Virus Overview: WHO data shows a significant increase in global dengue virus infections, with 7.6 million cases reported by April 2024.
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Regional Impact: Europe has seen a rise in travel-associated dengue cases, with Austria diagnosing 65 cases in the first quarter of 2024.
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Transmission and Symptoms: Dengue virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, with symptoms including high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and a rash.
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Severe Cases: Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) occurs in 2-4% of cases, requiring hospitalization and having a mortality rate of 1-5%.
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Preventive Measures: Recommendations for travelers to endemic areas include mosquito protection and, for those with a previous dengue infection, vaccination with the tetravalent vaccine Qdenga.
July 2024
Content:
- Measles Infections: In the first half of 2024, Austria reported 498 measles infections, with 91 cases in Tyrol alone.
- Complications: Measles can lead to severe complications such as ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and in rare cases, encephalitis.
- Isolation and Exclusion: Infected individuals and those not adequately vaccinated may be excluded from public places for up to 21 days.
- Vaccine Reactions: Post-vaccination reactions can mimic measles symptoms, making initial diagnosis challenging.
- New Diagnostic Test: A new PCR-based test can distinguish between wild-type and vaccine strains of the virus, providing results within a day.
June 2024
Content:
- Tularaemia Diagnostics: Information on the discontinuation of the agglutination test for tularaemia diagnostics due to non-compliance with IVDR regulations.
- New Testing Method: Introduction of an ELISA-based testing method for tularaemia, including IgM (TUL-M) and IgG (TUL-G) antibody determinations.
- Cost and Coverage: Details on the costs of the new ELISA parameters and ongoing discussions with health insurance providers regarding cost coverage.
- Importance of Rapid Diagnostics: Emphasis on the necessity of quick and accurate diagnostics to prevent severe disease progression and complications.
May 2024
Content:
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Measles Infections: In January, sporadic measles infections were reported in Tyrol, with 86 cases recorded since then.
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Exanthem Diagnosis: The document highlights the importance of distinguishing measles exanthems from parvovirus infections using PCR diagnostics.
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Parvovirus Infections: Parvovirus infections, common in early childhood, can lead to complications in patients with anemia and during pregnancy.
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Epidemiological Trends: A decrease in norovirus and rhinovirus infections was observed in May, while Bordetella pertussis infections remain high.
April 2024
Content:
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Tick Activity: High tick activity expected in the warm spring, with ticks being carriers of various pathogens, including Borrelia and Anaplasma phagocytophila.
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Borrelia Serology: Important facts about Borrelia serology, including the need for antibiotic treatment if Erythema chronicum migrans (ECM) is diagnosed and the limitations of antibody detection in the acute stage.
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Antibody Diagnostics: Recommendations for Borrelia antibody diagnostics, emphasizing the importance of verification through a blot test rather than relying solely on ELISA.
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FSME Serology: Guidelines for FSME (tick-borne encephalitis) vaccination intervals, with specific recommendations for adults and seniors.
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Post-Treatment Antibody Levels: Explanation of the increase in antibody titers after antibiotic therapy due to the immune response to destroyed Borrelia fragments.
February 2024
Content:
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Measles Outbreak in Tyrol: Approximately 40 confirmed cases of measles have been reported in Tyrol over the past three weeks.
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Diagnostic Methods: The gold standard for confirming measles is PCR testing, preferably from throat swabs or urine samples. Serology can also provide additional diagnostic information.
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Vaccination Effectiveness: The measles vaccine is highly effective, with a 98% protection rate after two doses. This contributes to herd immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.
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Herd Immunity and Eradication: Achieving a 95% vaccination rate among eligible individuals is crucial for herd immunity and the potential eradication of the virus.
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Vaccination Rates: In Austria, only 87% of children under five have received the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine, highlighting the need for increased vaccination efforts.