%0 Journal Article %J Euro Surveill %D 2023 %T A comparison of COVID-19 incidence rates across six European countries in 2021. %A Michael Padget %A Pauline Adam %A Marina Dorfmuller %A Clara Blondel %A Ines Campos-Matos %A Myriam Fayad %A Alberto Mateo-Urdiales %A David Mesher %A Adriana Pistol %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Flavia Riccardo %A Maximilian Riess %A Rusu, Lavinia Cipriana %A Didier Che %A Bruno Coignard %K COVID-19 %K Europe %K Humans %K incidence %K ITALY %K Romania %X

International comparisons of COVID-19 incidence rates have helped gain insights into the characteristics of the disease, benchmark disease impact, shape public health measures and inform potential travel restrictions and border control measures. However, these comparisons may be biased by differences in COVID-19 surveillance systems and approaches to reporting in each country. To better understand these differences and their impact on incidence comparisons, we collected data on surveillance systems from six European countries: Belgium, England, France, Italy, Romania and Sweden. Data collected included: target testing populations, access to testing, case definitions, data entry and management and statistical approaches to incidence calculation. Average testing, incidence and contextual data were also collected. Data represented the surveillance systems as they were in mid-May 2021. Overall, important differences between surveillance systems were detected. Results showed wide variations in testing rates, access to free testing and the types of tests recorded in national databases, which may substantially limit incidence comparability. By systematically including testing information when comparing incidence rates, these comparisons may be greatly improved. New indicators incorporating testing or existing indicators such as death or hospitalisation will be important to improving international comparisons.

%B Euro Surveill %V 28 %8 2023 Oct %G eng %N 40 %R 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2023.28.40.2300088 %0 Report %D 2023 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van rabiës - 2022 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Giulietta Stefani %A S. Leen %A Inne Nauwelaers %A Sanne Terryn %K Rabies %I Sciensano %C Brussels, Belgium %P 3 %8 1/01/2023 %G eng %M %0 Generic %D 2023 %T Knowledge, perceptions and practices related to mosquitoes and mosquito-borne viruses: survey in Belgium, 2022 %A Valeska Laisnez %A Marie Hermy %A Ruben Brondeel %A Ayat Abourashed %A Pauline de Best %A Tinne Lernout %A Javiera Rebolledo %K Health Belief Model %K KNOWLEDGE %K Mosquitoes %K Perception %K Vector Borne Diseases %X

Background

Effective preparedness for emerging mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs) relies on citizens having good knowledge and taking appropriate preventive measures. We assessed current knowledge, perceptions and practices related to mosquitoes and MBVs among adults in Belgium to guide future health promotion activities.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we conducted an online survey among adults recruited via social media (One Health PACT’s MosquitoWise survey using the Health Belief Model). We included questions on demographic variables;  knowledge;  perceptions, self-efficacy and cues to actions (Likert scales); and  preventive measures. We assigned knowledge levels (low, medium or high depending on number of correct answers) and scores for perceptions, self-efficacy, cues to action and preventive measures.

Results

We included 776 participants (62% females), of which 50% had a medium and 40% a high knowledge level. Participants scored high on questions related to mosquito ecology but lower on MBVs. Only 19% of participants correctly identified mosquitoes among pictures of insects.

Participants perceived the severity of MBVs as high (mean score 6.0/7.0), but their susceptibility to MBVs and mosquitoes lower (4.3/7.0). Participants were most motivated to take preventive measures upon observing mosquitoes in and around the house (cues to action, 5.3/7.0). Participants had limited confidence in finding information on preventive measures and in recognizing and removing breeding sites (self-efficacy, 4.8/7.0). Ninety-seven percent of participants reported implementing at least one preventive measure, mainly to prevent bites (95%).

Conclusions

Together with the recent findings of tiger mosquitoes in Belgium, based on our study results we recommend to improve knowledge about MBVs and awareness about possible transmission in Belgium in the future. Information on recognizing mosquitoes and removing breeding sites should be easy to find.

%B ESCAIDE %I ECDC %C Barcelona, Spain %8 2023-11-22 %G eng %0 Report %D 2023 %T Monitoring of Exotic Mosquitoes in Belgium: Annual report 2022 %A Marie Hermy %A Isra Deblauwe %A Anna Schneider %A Tinne Lernout %A Ruth Müller %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Wim Van Bortel %8 04/2023 %G eng %0 Report %D 2023 %T Monitoring van exotische muggen in België (MEMO+): Samenvatting van de resultaten van de surveillance in 2022 %A Marie Hermy %A Isra Deblauwe %A Anna Schneider %A Ruth Müller %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Wim Van Bortel %A Tinne Lernout %K MEMO+ %K muggensurveillance %K tijgermug %8 06/2023 %G eng %0 Report %D 2023 %T Surveillance des moustiques exotiques en Belgique (MEMO+): Résumé des résultats de la surveillance en 2022. %A Marie Hermy %A Isra Deblauwe %A Anna Schneider %A Ruth Müller %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Wim Van Bortel %A Tinne Lernout %8 06/2023 %G eng %0 Report %D 2023 %T Zoönosen en vectoroverdraagbare ziekten. Samenvattend jaaroverzicht 2019-2021 %A Tinne Lernout %A Geebelen, Laurence %A Marie Hermy %A Amber Litzroth %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Giulietta Stefani %8 07/2023 %G eng %0 Report %D 2023 %T Zoönosen en vectoroverdraagbare ziekten. Samenvattend jaaroverzicht 2022 %A Tinne Lernout %A Geebelen, Laurence %A Marie Hermy %A Amber Litzroth %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Giulietta Stefani %8 12/2023 %G eng %0 Report %D 2023 %T Zoonoses et maladies à transmission vectorielle. Synthèse annuelle 2022 %A Tinne Lernout %A Geebelen, Laurence %A Marie Hermy %A Amber Litzroth %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Giulietta Stefani %8 12/2023 %G eng %0 Report %D 2023 %T Zoonoses et maladies à transmission vectorielle. Synthèse annuelle 2019-2021 %A Tinne Lernout %A Geebelen, Laurence %A Marie Hermy %A Amber Litzroth %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Giulietta Stefani %8 07/2023 %G eng %0 Journal Article %J Archives of Public Health %D 2022 %T COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in Belgian nursing homes: results of a surveillance conducted between April and December 2020 %A Eline Vandael %A Katrien Latour %A Esma Islamaj %A Laura Int Panis %A Milena Callies %A Freek Haarhuis %A Kristiaan Proesmans %A Brecht Devleesschauwer %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Alice Hannecart %A Romain Mahieu %A Louise De Viron %A Etienne De Clercq %A Anne Kongs %A Naïma Hammami %A Jean-Marc François %A Dominique Dubourg %A Sarah Henz %A Boudewijn Catry %A Sara Dequeker %X

BACKGROUND: In Belgium, the first COVID-19 death was reported on 10 March 2020. Nursing home (NH) residents are particularly vulnerable for COVID-19, making it essential to follow-up the spread of COVID-19 in this setting. This manuscript describes the methodology of surveillance and epidemiology of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in Belgian NHs.

METHODS: A COVID-19 surveillance in all Belgian NHs (n = 1542) was set up by the regional health authorities and Sciensano. Aggregated data on possible/confirmed COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and case-based data on deaths were reported by NHs at least once a week. The study period covered April-December 2020. Weekly incidence/prevalence data were calculated per 1000 residents or staff members.

RESULTS: This surveillance has been launched within 14 days after the first COVID-19 death in Belgium. Automatic data cleaning was installed using different validation rules. More than 99% of NHs participated at least once, with a median weekly participation rate of 95%. The cumulative incidence of possible/confirmed COVID-19 cases among residents was 206/1000 in the first wave and 367/1000 in the second wave. Most NHs (82%) reported cases in both waves and 74% registered ≥10 possible/confirmed cases among residents at one point in time. In 51% of NHs, at least 10% of staff was absent due to COVID-19 at one point. Between 11 March 2020 and 3 January 2021, 11,329 COVID-19 deaths among NH residents were reported, comprising 57% of all COVID-19 deaths in Belgium in that period.

CONCLUSIONS: This surveillance was crucial in mapping COVID-19 in this vulnerable setting and guiding public health interventions, despite limitations of aggregated data and necessary changes in protocol over time. Belgian NHs were severely hit by COVID-19 with many fatal cases. The measure of not allowing visitors, implemented in the beginning of the pandemic, could not avoid the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the NHs during the first wave. The virus was probably often introduced by staff. Once the virus was introduced, it was difficult to prevent healthcare-associated outbreaks. Although, in contrast to the first wave, personal protective equipment was available in the second wave, again a high number of cases were reported.

%B Archives of Public Health %V 80 %8 Jan-12-2022 %G eng %N 1 %R 10.1186/s13690-022-00794-6 %0 Report %D 2022 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van antrax – 2019-2021 %A Giulietta Stefani %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Marcella Mori %8 12/2022 %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van chikungunya – 2019-2021 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %8 12/2022 %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van gele koorts - 2019-2021 %A Giulietta Stefani %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %8 12/2022 %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van malaria - 2019-2021 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van pest – 2019-2021 %A Giulietta Stefani %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Marcella Mori %8 12/2022 %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van rabiës - 2019 %A Giulietta Stefani %A Javiera Rebolledo %A S. Leen %A Sanne Terryn %8 10/2022 %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van rabiës - 2020 %A Giulietta Stefani %A Javiera Rebolledo %A S. Leen %A Sanne Terryn %8 11/2022 %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van rabiës - 2021 %A Giulietta Stefani %A Javiera Rebolledo %A S. Leen %A Sanne Terryn %8 12/2022 %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van West-Nile koorts - 2019-2021 %A Giulietta Stefani %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %8 12/2022 %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van zika - 2019-2021 %A Giulietta Stefani %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %8 12/2022 %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Surveillance épidémiologique de la dengue – 2019-2021 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Giulietta Stefani %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %8 12/2022 %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Surveillance épidémiologique de la fièvre jaune - 2019-2021 %A Giulietta Stefani %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %8 12/2022 %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Surveillance épidémiologique de la fièvre West Nile - 2019-2021 %A Giulietta Stefani %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %8 12/2022 %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Surveillance épidémiologique de la maladie du charbon – 2019-2021 %A Giulietta Stefani %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Marcella Mori %8 12/2022 %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Surveillance épidémiologique de la Peste – 2019-2021 %A Giulietta Stefani %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Marcella Mori %8 12/2022 %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Surveillance épidémiologique de la rage - 2019 %A Giulietta Stefani %A Javiera Rebolledo %A S. Leen %A Sanne Terryn %8 10/2022 %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Surveillance épidémiologique de la rage - 2020 %A Giulietta Stefani %A Javiera Rebolledo %A S. Leen %A Sanne Terryn %8 11/2022 %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Surveillance épidémiologique de la rage - 2021 %A Giulietta Stefani %A Javiera Rebolledo %A S. Leen %A Sanne Terryn %8 12/2022 %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Surveillance épidémiologique du chikungunya – 2019-2021 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Giulietta Stefani %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %8 12/2022 %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Surveillance épidémiologique du paludisme - 2019-2021 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %G eng %0 Report %D 2022 %T Surveillance épidémiologique du Zika - 2019-2021 %A Giulietta Stefani %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %8 12/2022 %G eng %0 Journal Article %J Eurosurveillance %D 2021 %T Establishing an ad hoc COVID-19 mortality surveillance during the first epidemic wave in Belgium, 1 March to 21 June 2020 %A Françoise Renard %A Aline Scohy %A Johan Van der Heyden %A Ilse Peeters %A Sara Dequeker %A Eline Vandael %A Nina Van Goethem %A Dominique Dubourg %A Louise De Viron %A Anne Kongs %A Naïma Hammami %A Brecht Devleesschauwer %A André Sasse %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Natalia Bustos Sierra %X

Background : COVID-19-related mortality in Belgium has drawn attention for two reasons: its high level, and a good completeness in reporting of deaths. An ad hoc surveillance was established to register COVID-19 death numbers in hospitals, long-term care facilities (LTCF) and the community. Belgium adopted broad inclusion criteria for the COVID-19 death notifications, also including possible cases, resulting in a robust correlation between COVID-19 and all-cause mortality.

Aim : To document and assess the COVID-19 mortality surveillance in Belgium.

Methods : We described the content and data flows of the registration and we assessed the situation as of 21 June 2020, 103 days after the first death attributable to COVID-19 in Belgium. We calculated the participation rate, the notification delay, the percentage of error detected, and the results of additional investigations.

Results : The participation rate was 100% for hospitals and 83% for nursing homes. Of all deaths, 85% were recorded within 2 calendar days: 11% within the same day, 41% after 1 day and 33% after 2 days, with a quicker notification in hospitals than in LTCF. Corrections of detected errors reduced the death toll by 5%.

Conclusion : Belgium implemented a rather complete surveillance of COVID-19 mortality, on account of a rapid investment of the hospitals and LTCF. LTCF could build on past experience of previous surveys and surveillance activities. The adoption of an extended definition of ‘COVID-19-related deaths’ in a context of limited testing capacity has provided timely information about the severity of the epidemic.

%B Eurosurveillance %V 26 %8 Feb-12-2021 %G eng %N 48 %R 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2021.26.48.2001402 %0 Journal Article %J Arch Public Health %D 2021 %T One year of laboratory-based COVID-19 surveillance system in Belgium: main indicators and performance of the laboratories (March 2020-21). %A Marjan Meurisse %A Adrien Lajot %A Yves Dupont %A Marie Lesenfants %A Sofieke Klamer %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Tinne Lernout %A Mathias Leroy %A Arnaud Capron %A Johan Van Bussel %A Sophie Quoilin %A Emmanuel André %A Kaat Kehoe %A Luc Waumans %A Van Acker, Jos %A Vandenberg, Olivier %A Van den Wijngaert, Sigi %A Ann Verdonck %A Lize Cuypers %A Dieter Van Cauteren %K Belgium; COVID-19; Laboratory-based surveillance; SARS-CoV-2 %X

BACKGROUND: With the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an existing national laboratory-based surveillance system was adapted to daily monitor the epidemiological situation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the Belgium by following the number of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections, the number of performed tests and the positivity ratio. We present these main indicators of the surveillance over a one-year period as well as the impact of the performance of the laboratories, regarding speed of processing the samples and reporting results, for surveillance.

METHODS: We describe the evolution of test capacity, testing strategy and the data collection methods during the first year of the epidemic in Belgium.

RESULTS: Between the 1 of March 2020 and the 28 of February 2021, 9,487,470 tests and 773,078 COVID-19 laboratory confirmed cases were reported. Two epidemic waves occurred, with a peak in April and October 2020. The capacity and performance of the laboratories improved continuously during 2020 resulting in a high level performance. Since the end of November 2020 90 to 95% of the test results are reported at the latest the day after sampling was performed.

CONCLUSIONS: Thanks to the effort of all laboratories a performant exhaustive national laboratory-based surveillance system to monitor the epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 was set up in Belgium in 2020. On top of expanding the number of laboratories performing diagnostics and significantly increasing the test capacity in Belgium, turnaround times between sampling and testing as well as reporting were optimized over the first year of this pandemic.

%B Arch Public Health %V 79 %8 2021 Oct 27 %G eng %N 1 %R 10.1186/s13690-021-00704-2 %0 Report %D 2020 %T infections liées aux aliments et à l'eau, synthèse épidémiologique, data 2017-2018 %A Stéphanie Jacquinet %A Dieter Van Cauteren %A Sofieke Klamer %A Javiera Rebolledo %P 14 %8 03/2020 %G eng %0 Journal Article %J Archives of Public Health %D 2020 %T Rapid establishment of a national surveillance of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Belgium %A Nina Van Goethem %A Aline Vilain %A Chloé Wyndham-Thomas %A Jessika Deblonde %A Nathalie Bossuyt %A Tinne Lernout %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Sophie Quoilin %A Vincent Melis %A Dominique Van Beckhoven %B Archives of Public Health %V 78 %8 Jan-12-2020 %G eng %N 1 %R 10.1186/s13690-020-00505-z %0 Report %D 2020 %T Voedsel-en watergerelateerde infectieziekten, epidemiologische verslag, data 2017-2018 %A Stéphanie Jacquinet %A Dieter Van Cauteren %A Sofieke Klamer %A Javiera Rebolledo %P 14 %8 03/2020 %G eng %0 Report %D 2019 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van malaria - 2018 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %G eng %0 Report %D 2019 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van rabiës - 2018 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Sanne Terryn %P 3 %8 2019 %G eng %0 Journal Article %J Epidemiol Infect %D 2019 %T The health and economic impact of acute gastroenteritis in Belgium, 2010-2014 %A Theofilos Papadopoulos %A Sofieke Klamer %A Stéphanie Jacquinet %A Boudewijn Catry %A Amber Litzroth %A Laure Mortgat %A Pavlos Mamouris %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Bert Vaes %A Dieter Van Cauteren %A Johan Van der Heyden %A Philippe Beutels %A Brecht Devleesschauwer %K burden of disease %K cost-of-illness %K Disability-Adjusted Life Years %K Gastroenteritis %X

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) remains a common condition in both low- and high-income countries. In Belgium, however, there is currently a lack of information on the societal health and economic impact of AGE. We conducted a retrospective study using mortality and cause-of-death data, hospital data, primary care data, health interview survey data and other published data. We estimated the burden of illness during a 5-year period (2010-2014) in Belgium in terms of deaths, patients admitted to hospitals, patients consulting their general practitioner (GP) and cases occurring in the community. We further quantified the health impact in terms of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and the economic impact in terms of cost-of-illness estimates. We estimated 343 deaths, 27 707 hospitalised patients, 464 222 GP consultations and 10 058 741 episodes occurring in the community (0.91 cases/person) on average per year. AGE was associated with 11 855 DALYs per year (107 DALY per 100 000 persons). The economic burden was estimated to represent direct costs of €112 million, indirect costs of €927 million (90% of the total costs) and an average total cost of €103 per case and €94 per person. AGE results in a substantial health and economic impact in Belgium, justifying continued mitigation efforts.

%B Epidemiol Infect %V 147 %8 2019 Jan %G eng %R 10.1017/S095026881900044X %0 Journal Article %J Travel Med Infect Dis %D 2019 %T Imported malaria and artemisinin-based combination therapy failure in travellers returning to Belgium: A retrospective study. %A Eduard Rovira-Vallbona %A Bottieau, Emmanuel %A Pieter Guetens %A Jacob Verschueren %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Nulens, Eric %A Jeroen Van der Hilst %A Jan Clerinx %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %A Anna Rosanas-Urgell %X

BACKGROUND: Malaria (Plasmodium spp) remains a top cause of travel-associated morbidity among European residents. Here, we describe recent trends of imported malaria to Belgium and characterize the first cases of P.falciparum failure to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT).

METHODS: National surveillance data and registers from national reference laboratory were used to investigate malaria cases and ACT failures in the past 20 years. Recurrent infections were confirmed by pfmsp genotyping and polymorphisms in drug resistance-associated genes pfk13, pfcrt, pfmdr1, pfpm2, pfap2mu and pfubp1 were determined by sequencing or quantitative PCR.

RESULTS: Annual malaria cases steadily increased in the last decade, reaching 428 in 2017 (all species). An estimated 15% of P.falciparum cases were severe. Between 2014 and 2017, 727 P.falciparum cases were reported and six non-immune travellers presented late recurrence. Five had hyperparasitaemia and/or signs of severe malaria at initial consultation. No mutations in ACT drug resistance markers were detected, although pfcrt-pfmdr1 haplotypes associated with lumefantrine tolerance were common.

CONCLUSIONS: The upward trend in imported malaria, the substantial proportion of severe cases and the emergence of ACT failures are sources of concern, although late failures were infrequent. Genetic analysis did not support parasitological resistance to ACT, suggesting prospective pharmacokinetic studies should assess adequacy of partner drug dosage and duration of treatment in non-immune populations.

%B Travel Med Infect Dis %8 2019 Oct 31 %G eng %R 10.1016/j.tmaid.2019.101505 %0 Report %D 2019 %T Surveillance épidémiologique de la rage - 2018 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Sanne Terryn %P 3 %8 2019 %G eng %0 Report %D 2019 %T Zoönosen en vectoroverdraagbare ziekten. Samenvattend jaarverslag 2018 %A Tinne Lernout %A Amber Litzroth %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Katrien Tersago %P 18 %8 Nov 2019 %G eng %0 Report %D 2019 %T Zoonoses et maladies à transmission vectorielle. Synthèse annuelle 2018 %A Tinne Lernout %A Amber Litzroth %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Katrien Tersago %8 2019 %G eng %M D/2019/14.440/96 %0 Report %D 2018 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van malaria - 2017 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %G eng %0 Report %D 2018 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van rabiës - 2017 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Bernard Brochier %A Sanne Terryn %A Steven Van Gucht %I Sciensano %C Brussel %P 3 %8 2018 %G eng %0 Journal Article %J Euro Surveill %D 2018 %T Hepatitis A outbreak disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) in the European Union and European Economic Area, June 2016 to May 2017. %A Patricia Ndumbi %A Gudrun S Freidl %A Christopher J Williams %A Otilia Mårdh %A Carmen Varela %A Ana Avellón %A Ingrid Friesema %A Vennema, Harry %A Kazim Beebeejaun %A Siew Lin Ngui %A Michael Edelstein %A Alison Smith-Palmer %A Niamh Murphy %A Jonathan Dean %A Mirko Faber %A Jürgen Wenzel %A Mia Kontio %A Luise Müller %A Sofie Elisabeth Midgley %A Lena Sundqvist %A Ederth, Josefine Lundberg %A Anne-Marie Roque-Afonso %A Elisabeth Couturier %A Sofieke Klamer %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Vanessa Suin %A Stephan W Aberle %A Schmid, Daniela %A Rita De Sousa %A Augusto, Gonçalo Figueiredo %A Valeria Alfonsi %A Martina Del Manso %A Anna Rita Ciccaglione %A Mellou, Kassiani %A Christos Hadjichristodoulou %A Alastair Donachie %A Maria-Louise Borg %A Maja Sočan %A Poljak, Mario %A Ettore Severi %K ADOLESCENT %K Adult %K Aged %K Aged, 80 and over %K Child %K Child, Preschool %K Disease Outbreaks %K Europe %K European Union %K Genotype %K Hepatitis A %K hepatitis A virus %K Homosexuality, Male %K Hospitalization %K Humans %K Infant %K Infant, Newborn %K Male %K middle aged %K Risk Factors %K Sexual Behavior %K Spain %K Young adult %X

Between 1 June 2016 and 31 May 2017, 17 European Union (EU) and European Economic Area countries reported 4,096 cases associated with a multi-country hepatitis A (HA) outbreak. Molecular analysis identified three co-circulating hepatitis A virus (HAV) strains of genotype IA: VRD_521_2016, V16-25801 and RIVM-HAV16-090. We categorised cases as confirmed, probable or possible, according to the EU outbreak case definitions. Confirmed cases were infected with one of the three outbreak strains. We investigated case characteristics and strain-specific risk factors for transmission. A total of 1,400 (34%) cases were confirmed; VRD_521_2016 and RIVM-HAV16-090 accounted for 92% of these. Among confirmed cases with available epidemiological data, 92% (361/393) were unvaccinated, 43% (83/195) travelled to Spain during the incubation period and 84% (565/676) identified as men who have sex with men (MSM). Results depict an HA outbreak of multiple HAV strains, within a cross-European population, that was particularly driven by transmission between non-immune MSM engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour. The most effective preventive measure to curb this outbreak is HAV vaccination of MSM, supplemented by primary prevention campaigns that target the MSM population and promote protective sexual behaviour.

%B Euro Surveill %V 23 %8 2018 08 %G eng %N 33 %R 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2018.23.33.1700641 %0 Report %D 2018 %T Maladies infectieuses liées à l'eau et aux aliments: données 2015-2016 %A Stéphanie Jacquinet %A Sofieke Klamer %A Javiera Rebolledo %P 172 %8 05/2018 %G eng %0 Report %D 2018 %T Surveillance épidémiologique de la rage - 2017 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Bernard Brochier %A Sanne Terryn %A Steven Van Gucht %P 3 %8 2018 %G eng %0 Report %D 2018 %T Surveillance épidémiologique du paludisme - 2017 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %G eng %0 Report %D 2018 %T Voedsel-en watergerelateerde infectieziekten, epidemiologische verslag, data 2015-2016 %A Stéphanie Jacquinet %A Sofieke Klamer %A Javiera Rebolledo %P 172 %8 05/2018 %G eng %0 Report %D 2018 %T Zoönosen en vectoroverdraagbare ziekten. Samenvattend jaarverslag 2017 %A Tinne Lernout %A Amber Litzroth %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Katrien Tersago %P 16 %8 2018 %G eng %M D/2018/14.440/43 %0 Report %D 2018 %T Zoonoses et maladies à transmission vectorielle. Synthèse annuelle 2017 %A Tinne Lernout %A Amber Litzroth %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Katrien Tersago %G eng %0 Report %D 2017 %T European OneHealth/EcoHealth workshop report - Brussels, 6-7 October 2016. %A Keune, Hans %A Flandroy, Lucette %A Thys, Séverine %A Nick De Regge %A Marcella Mori %A Thierry van den Berg %A Antoine-Moussiaux, Nicolas %A Vanhove, Maarten P M %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Steven Van Gucht %A Deblauwe, Isra %A Biot, Pierre %A Hiemstra, Wim %A Häsler, Barbara %A Binot, Aurélie %K 2016 %K European One Health / Eco Health Workshop %I Biodiversity & Health Community of Practice and the Belgian Biodiversity Platform. %C Brussels, Belgium %P 48 %8 201 %G eng %M NA %0 Journal Article %J Arch Public Health %D 2017 %T The need for European OneHealth/EcoHealth networks. %A Keune, Hans %A Flandroy, Lucette %A Thys, Séverine %A Nick De Regge %A Marcella Mori %A Antoine-Moussiaux, Nicolas %A Vanhove, Maarten P M %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Steven Van Gucht %A Deblauwe, Isra %A Hiemstra, Wim %A Häsler, Barbara %A Binot, Aurélie %A Savic, Sara %A Ruegg, Simon R %A De Vries, Sjerp %A Garnier, Julie %A Thierry van den Berg %K Community of Practice %K Crosssectorial %K EcoHealth %K Europe %K Interdisciplinarity %K One Health %K Transdisciplinarity %X

Elaborating from the European One Health/Ecohealth (OH/EH) workshop that took place in fall 2016 and aimed to bring together different communities and explore collaborative potential, the creation of European networks focusing on the development of important OH/EH perspectives was a direct output from discussions at the end of some sessions, in particular: - A network on transdisciplinary One Health education. - A network integrating inputs from social sciences in One Health/EcoHealth actions and networks. - A network aiming at translating research findings on the Environment-Microbiome-Health axis into policy making, with a view to make healthy ecosystems a cost-effective disease prevention healthcare strategy. It was also suggested that a European Community of Practice could be initiated in order to support these several concrete networking initiatives, and to help to promote the building of other emerging initiatives.

%B Arch Public Health %V 75 %8 2017 %G eng %& 64 %R 10.1186/s13690-017-0232-6 %0 Report %D 2017 %T Zoönosen en vectoroverdraagbare ziekten. Jaarrapport 2015-2016 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Amber Litzroth %A Katrien Tersago %A Dominique Van Beckhoven %A Tinne Lernout %G eng %0 Report %D 2017 %T Zoonoses et maladies à transmission vectorielle. Surveillance épidémiologique en Belgique, 2015-2016 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Amber Litzroth %A Katrien Tersago %A Dominique Van Beckhoven %A Tinne Lernout %G eng %0 Journal Article %J Arch Public Health %D 2016 %T Human biomonitoring of heavy metals in the vicinity of non-ferrous metal plants in Ath, Belgium. %A Sébastien Fierens %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Versporten, Ann %A Brits, Ethel %A Haufroid, Vincent %A De Plaen, Pierre %A Van Nieuwenhuyse, An %X

BACKGROUND: A previous study revealed an environmental contamination by heavy metals in the vicinity of two non-ferrous metal plants in Ath, Belgium. The purpose of the current cross-sectional study was to estimate exposure of the population to heavy metals in the vicinity of the plants, in comparison with population living further away.

METHODS: We did a random sampling in the general population of Ath in two areas: a central area, including the plants, and a peripheral area, presumably less exposed. We quantified cadmium, lead, nickel, chromium and cobalt in blood and/or urine of children and adults in three age groups: (i) children aged 2.5 to 6 years ( = 98), (ii) children aged 7 to 11 years ( = 74), and (iii) adults aged 40 to 60 years ( = 106). We also studied subclinical health effects by quantifying retinol-binding protein and microalbuminuria, and by means of a Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

RESULTS: We obtained a participation rate of 24 %. Blood lead levels were significantly higher in young children living in the central area (18.2 μg/l ; 95 % CI: 15.9-20.9) compared to the peripheral area (14.8 μg/l ; 95 % CI: 12.6-17.4). We observed no other significant mean difference in metal concentrations between the two areas. In the whole population, blood lead levels were higher in men (31.7 μg/l ; 95 % CI: 27.9-36.1) than in women (21.4 μg/l ; 95 % CI: 18.1-25.3). Urine cadmium levels were 0.06 μg/g creatinine (95 % CI: 0.05-0.07), 0.21 μg/g creatinine (95 % CI: 0.17-0.27), and 0.25 μg/g creatinine (95 % CI: 0.20-0.30) for children, men, and women, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite higher blood lead levels in young children living close to the plants, observed metal concentrations remain in the range found in other similar biomonitoring studies in the general population and are below the levels of concern for public health.

%B Arch Public Health %V 74 %P 42 %8 2016 %G eng %1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27729976?dopt=Abstract %R 10.1186/s13690-016-0154-8 %0 Report %D 2016 %T Maladies infectieuses liées à la consommation des aliments et de l’eau 2015-2016 %A Stéphanie Jacquinet %A Sofieke Klamer %A Javiera Rebolledo %K Maladies infectieuse %X

Rapport thématique.

Surveillance épidémiologique en Belgique, 2015 et 2016

%I Sciensano %C Brussels %P 168 %8 31/12/2016 %G eng %0 Report %D 2016 %T Voedsel- en watergerelateerde infectieziekten 2015-2016 %A Stéphanie Jacquinet %A Sofieke Klamer %A Javiera Rebolledo %K Infectieziekten %X

Thematisch rapport

Epidemiologische surveillance in België, 2015 en 2016

%I Sciensano %C Brussels %P 166 %8 31/12/2016 %G eng %0 Report %D 2016 %T Zoönosen en vectoroverdraagbare ziekten. Samenvattend jaaroverzicht 2015 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Tinne Lernout %A Amber Litzroth %A Dominique Van Beckhoven %A Bernard Brochier %A Delaere, B %A David Fretin %A Hing,M. %A Jacobs,J.A. %A B Kabamba Mukadi %A Marcella Mori %A Patteet,S. %A Saegeman,V. %A Vanessa Suin %A Truyens,C. %A Vanrompay, D %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %A Steven Van Gucht %A P Wattiau %K 2015 %K Surveillance %K vectoroverdraagbare ziekten %K zoonosen %I WIV-ISP %C Brussel, België %P 17 %8 Okt 2016 %G eng %M D/2016/2505/39 %0 Report %D 2016 %T Zoonoses et maladies à transmission vectorielle. Surveillance épidémiologique en Belgique - Synthèse annuelle 2015 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Tinne Lernout %A Amber Litzroth %A Dominique Van Beckhoven %A Bernard Brochier %A Delaere,B. %A David Fretin %A Hing,M. %A B Kabamba Mukadi %A Marcella Mori %A Patteet,S. %A Saegeman,V. %A Vanessa Suin %A Truyens,C. %A Vanrompay, D %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %A Steven Van Gucht %A P Wattiau %K 2015 %K Belgique %K maladies à transmission vectorielle %K Surveillance %K Zoonoses %I WIV-ISP %C Bruxelles, Belgique %P 22 %8 Oct 2016 %G eng %M D/2016/2505/38 %0 Journal Article %J Arch Public Health %D 2015 %T Epidemiological situation of Lyme borreliosis in Belgium, 2003 to 2012. %A Corinne Bleyenheuft %A Tinne Lernout %A Nicolas Berger %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Mathias Leroy %A Robert, Annie %A Sophie Quoilin %X

BACKGROUND: Some studies show that the incidence of Lyme borreliosis is increasing in different European countries. In order to evaluate if this is also the case in Belgium, different data sources were consulted to describe the epidemiology of Lyme borreliosis in the country during the last decade.

METHODS: Data from two databases were analyzed for the time period 2003-2010 and 2003-2012 for respectively: the registration of minimal clinical data from Belgian hospitals (principal and secondary diagnosis), and a sentinel laboratory network reporting positive laboratory results.

RESULTS: The number of hospitalized cases per year remained stable between 2003 and 2010, ranging from 970 (in 2008) to 1453 (in 2006), with a median of 1132.5 cases per year. Between 2003 and 2012, yearly fluctuations in the number of positive tests were reported by the sentinel laboratory network (with a minimum of 996 positive tests in 2007 and a maximum of 1651 positive tests in 2005), but there is no increasing trend over the study period (median = 1200.5 positive tests per year). The highest incidence rates of hospitalization and the highest reported incidence of positive laboratory results are registered in the provinces of Luxemburg, Limburg, Flemish Brabant and Antwerp, with a typical seasonal pattern (peak in September). The age groups affected most are those from 5 to 14 years and 45 to 69.

CONCLUSION: Based on hospital records and laboratory results, no increasing trend in Lyme disease was observed over the 2003-2012 period in Belgium. These results are in line with the stable incidence of erythema migrans reported by a sentinel network of general practitionners between 2003 and 2009. Multi-source surveillance of vector-borne diseases should be further implemented.

%B Arch Public Health %V 73 %8 2015 %G eng %N 1 %R 10.1186/s13690-015-0079-7 %0 Report %D 2015 %T Zoönosen en Vector-Overdraagbare Ziekten. Epidemiologische surveillance in België, 2013 en 2014 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Tinne Lernout %A Amber Litzroth %A Dominique Van Beckhoven %A Bernard Brochier %A Delaere,B. %A David Fretin %A Heuninckx,W. %A Hing,M. %A Jacobs, J. %A B Kabamba Mukadi %A Maes,P. %A Marcella Mori %A Patteet,S. %A Sophie Quoilin %A Saegeman,V. %A Vanessa Suin %A Truyens,C. %A Vanrompay, D %A M. Van Esbroeck %A Steven Van Gucht %A P Wattiau %K 2013 %K 2014 %K jaarrapport %K overdraagbare ziekten %K Vector %K zoonosen %I WIV-ISP %C Brussel, België %P 114 %8 Dec 2015 %G eng %M D/2015/2505/74 %0 Report %D 2015 %T Zoonoses et maladies à transmission vectorielle. Surveillance épidémiologique en Belgique, 2013 et 2014 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Tinne Lernout %A Amber Litzroth %A Dominique Van Beckhoven %A Bernard Brochier %A Delaere,B. %A David Fretin %A Heuninckx,W. %A Hing,M. %A Jacobs,J.A. %A B Kabamba Mukadi %A Maes,P. %A Marcella Mori %A Patteet,S. %A Sophie Quoilin %A Saegeman,V. %A Vanessa Suin %A Truyens,C. %A Vanrompay, D %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %A Steven Van Gucht %A P Wattiau %K 2013 %K 2014 %K maladies à transmission vectorielle %K Surveillance %K Zoonoses %I WIV-ISP %C Bruxelles, Belgique %P 116 %8 12/2015 %G eng %M D/2015/2505/73 %0 Journal Article %J Arch Public Health %D 2011 %T Human biomonitoring on heavy metals in Ath: methodological aspects. %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Sébastien Fierens %A Versporten, Ann %A Brits, Ethel %A De Plaen, Pierre %A An Van Nieuwenhuyse %X

The municipality of Ath is characterised by the presence, in its center, of two non-ferrous metal industries whose emissions make local residents concerned for their health. Therefore, authorities of the Walloon Region and the municipality of Ath undertook biomonitoring to assess the impact of those industrial emissions on heavy metal body burden in humans.This paper describes the study design and methodology used to carry out this human biomonitoring.A random sampling was done in the general population, in two areas of Ath: an area centered around the industries and a peripheral area. The target population was children (2.5-11 years) and adults (40-60 years) without occupational exposure. The three-stage sampling procedure consisted of a mixture of both mail and telephone recruitment. Firstly, 3259 eligible people, identified from a population register, were mailed an introductory letter. In a second stage, eligible individuals were contacted by phone to propose them to participate in the study. They were randomly contacted until the required sample size was obtained. In the third stage, a second mail was sent to those who agreed to participate with a questionnaire to be filled out. Finally, biological samples (blood and urine) from 278 persons were collected. The final participation rate of this study was 24%.This sampling procedure, especially designed for the purpose of this biomonitoring study in Ath, allowed us to recruit a sample representative of the population of children and adults of Ath, reaching the expected sample size in a short period of time.

%B Arch Public Health %V 69 %P 10 %8 2011 Dec 05 %G eng %N 1 %1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22958427?dopt=Abstract %R 10.1186/0778-7367-69-10 %0 Report %D 0 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van chikungunya - 2022 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %G eng %0 Report %D 0 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van dengue – 2019-2021 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Giulietta Stefani %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %G eng %0 Report %D 0 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van Dengue - 2022 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %G eng %0 Report %D 0 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van westijlekoorts - 2022 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %G eng %0 Report %D 0 %T Epidemiologische surveillance van zika - 2022 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %G eng %0 Generic %D 0 %T Knowledge, perceptions and practices related to mosquitoes and mosquito-borne viruses: survey in Belgium, 2022 %A Valeska Laisnez %A Marie Hermy %A Ruben Brondeel %A Ayat Abourashed %A Pauline de Best %A Tinne Lernout %A Javiera Rebolledo %G eng %0 Journal Article %D 0 %T An outbreak report of the two autochthonous cases of airport malaria in Belgium in 2020. %A Javiera Rebolledo %G eng %0 Report %D 0 %T Surveillance épidémiologique de la dengue - 2022 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %G eng %0 Report %D 0 %T Surveillance épidémiologique de la rage - 2022 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %G eng %0 Report %D 0 %T Surveillance épidémiologique du chikungunya - 2022 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %G eng %0 Report %D 0 %T Surveillance épidémiologique du paludisme - 2018 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %G eng %0 Report %D 0 %T Surveillance épidémiologique du Virus du Nil occidental (VNO) – 2022 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %A Giulietta Stefani %G eng %0 Report %D 0 %T Surveillance épidémiologique du Zika -2022 %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Van Esbroeck, Marjan %G eng %0 Report %D 0 %T Zoönosen en vectoroverdraagbare ziekten. Samenvattend jaaroverzicht 2017 %A Tinne Lernout %A Amber Litzroth %A Javiera Rebolledo %A Katrien Tersago %G eng