ECDC: On Air

This is a third episode of our ECDC: On Air podcast sub-series - the "Risk Wire" - focusing on Risk Assessments ECDC publishes.This time we look into a prolonged multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Strathcona has affected 17 European countries and has been ongoing since 2023, with more than 400 confirmed cases reported so far. Investigations have identified small tomatoes as the most likely vehicle of infection, highlighting the complexity of foodborne outbreaks and the role of the environment in food contamination.In this episode, we talk to Dr Taina Niskanen, Expert in Food-, Waterborne and Zoonotic Diseases at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and Dr Eleonora Sarno, scientific officer at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).Together, they explain what Salmonella is, how it spreads, and the symptoms it can cause. They walk listeners through how the outbreak was detected and investigated across countries, how whole genome sequencing helps link human, food and environmental samples, and why collaboration between public health, food safety and environmental sectors is essential.The episode also explores how ECDC and EFSA work with national authorities to track cases, trace food sources, and support control measures using a One Health approach.Finally, the experts share practical food hygiene advice and explain what people can do at home to reduce the risk of infection.Want to know more about the outbreak?Read our press release here: bit.ly/3KNFGCxFind out more about Salmonella on the disease pages on ECDC Portal here: www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/salmonellosisMore information on epidemiology in Europe in general can be found on our portal: ⁠ecdc.europa.eu⁠ and ⁠social media channels⁠: bit.ly/ECDCSocialMediaHappy listening!

In this episode of ECDC On Air, we are joined by Aine Collins and Giusi Amore - experts from ECDC and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to unpack the latest EU One Health Zoonoses report.They discuss the main foodborne diseases in Europe, the everyday foods most often linked to outbreaks, and clear up common myths - from “it’s just food poisoning” to washing raw chicken or relying on the smell test.The conversation ends with simple, practical tips for safer food handling and storage at home.Want to learn more?-> Read our press release on the latest zoonoses report-> Read the full reportMore about foodborne diseases can be found also on both - ECDC portal: & EFSA portal.

On today's episode, we discuss EU Reference Laboratories (EURLs) with Andreas Hoefer from ECDC and Rita Figuera from the European Commission’s DG SANTE.They explain the vital role these laboratories play, how both organisations support national labs, ensure test results are reliable across borders, and strengthen Europe's ability to respond to health threats as part of the European Health Union.Find all information on the EU Reference Laboratories for public health on ⁠EC pages⁠.Learn how ECDC works with EU Reference Laboratories on the ECDC portal.Interested in ECDC and what we do? Visit our portal ecdc.europa.eu or follow us on social media for the latest news!

In this episode of ECDC On Air, we discuss the seasonal spread of respiratory viruses with ECDC's Principal Expert in Respiratory Viruses - Angeliki Melidou.Angeliki explores the impact of viruses like influenza, RSV, and COVID-19, the importance of vaccination, and practical measures to protect both individuals and healthcare systems. Tune in for insights on how to navigate the winter months safely.Read about the current respiratory disease situation on erviss.org. For more information about ECDC in general visit ecdc.europa.eu and follow our social media for the latest news.

In this episode of ECDC On Air , we talk to ECDC's Head of Section - Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare-Associated Infections - Dr Diamantis Plachouras, who explains the rising threat of the drug-resistant fungus Candidozyma (Candida) auris.Discovered only in 2009, C. auris has become a serious problem in European hospitals - spreading between patients, persisting on surfaces and equipment, and resisting multiple antifungal treatments.Diamantis outlines how infections develop, why treatment is so difficult, and what the latest ECDC survey shows: over 4,000 EU/EEA cases since 2013, including 1,346 in 2023 alone, with several countries already facing regional or national endemicity.He also shares why early detection, infection prevention and control, and timely communication between hospitals are key to stopping outbreaks - and why success is still possible.🎧 Tune in for a clear look at one of Europe’s most urgent patient safety concerns.Interested in the topic? Check more on C. auris here.For more information about ECDC in general, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ecdc.europa.eu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.