Epidemiologisches Bulletin 18/2025 [PDF, 2MB, File does not meet accessibility standards]
|
World Hand Hygiene Day May 5th 2025- Considerationss for the use of disposable medical gloves in terms of infection prevention and sustainability
In 2009, the WHO launched the World Hand Hygiene Day, which is since then held annually on May 5th. The date symbolizes the five fingers of both hands. This year’s campaign carries the slogan: "It might be gloves. It’s always hand hygiene." The core message is a call to adhere to the five moments of hand hygiene in medical and care settings — i. e., identifying specific situations where hand disinfection or the use of (disposable) medical gloves is indicated. This year, special attention is being paid to the use of (disposable) medical gloves, taking into account possible contraindications for infection prevention and the impact on climate and environment.
(Article in German)
|
30/04/2025 |
Epidemiologisches Bulletin 17/2025 [PDF, 3MB, File does not meet accessibility standards]
|
PrEP Surveillance in Germany – Results of the fifth biannual survey in HIV centers
As part of the project "Surveillance of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Provision within Statutory Health Insurance in Germany" (PrEP-Surv), funded by the Federal Ministry of Health, biannual surveys on the use and provision of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are conducted in HIV centers. The fifth biannual survey addressed, among other things, the supply shortage of the drug containing tenofovir disoproxil/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) and its consequences for PrEP provision.
(Article in German)
|
24/04/2025 |
Epidemiologisches Bulletin 16/2025 [PDF, 3MB, File does not meet accessibility standards]
|
Evaluation of the mandatory reporting of severe Clostridioides difficile infections in Germany 2017–2022
C. difficile is one of the most common pathogens of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and is among the ten most common nosocomial infections in Germany. Since 2023, Germany has seen an increase in the number of cases of severe C. difficile infections (sCDI). The mandatory sCDI reporting requirement under the infection protection act ensures that timely, complete, and representative data are available. The article presents the first evaluation of the mandatory sCDI reporting requirement in Germany since its legal introduction in 2016.
Typing of Clostridioides difficile at the National Reference Center
With the dynamic development of molecular genetic methods, bacterial genotyping has also changed over the past decades. In recent years, whole genome sequencing (WGS) has become the gold standard. The National Reference Center for C. difficile has gained experience with both, ribotyping and WGS for some time and is offering exclusively WGS since January 2024.
(Articles in German)
|
17/04/2025 |
Epidemiologisches Bulletin 15/2025 [PDF, 3MB, File does not meet accessibility standards]
|
Decision on the extension of the STIKO recommendation for the standard vaccination against diseases caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for people ≥ 75 as well as an indication-based vaccination of people aged 60 to 74 with risk factors, to include an mRNA vaccine
The decision and scientific rationale for the extension of the STIKO recommendation to include an mRNA-based RSV vaccine are published in Epidemiologisches Bulletin 15/2025. The STIKO recommends a single RSV vaccination for all persons aged ≥ 75 years, for those aged 60 to 74 years who have a severe underlying disease as well as for persons living in a care facility. In autumn 2024, the STIKO reviewed the data on two protein-based RSV vaccines and more recently on a new mRNA RSV vaccine and decided to recommend a single RSV vaccination with one of the three approved vaccines as a standard vaccination for all persons aged ≥ 75 years as well as an indication-based vaccination for people aged 60 to 74 with risk factors, preferably before the RSV season. A preferential recommendation for one of the vaccines cannot be made.
(Article in German)
|
10/04/2025 |
Epidemiologisches Bulletin 14/2025 [PDF, 7MB, File does not meet accessibility standards]
|
Recommendations of the STIKO and the DTG on travel vaccinations
The recommendations on travel vaccinations published in the Epidemiologisches Bulletin 14/2025 are intended to provide individual protection for travelers at risk of exposure to certain vaccine-preventable diseases and to prevent the import of infectious pathogens into the country visited or upon return to Germany.
(Article in German)
|
03/04/2025 |
Epidemiologisches Bulletin 12-13/2025 [PDF, 3MB, File does not meet accessibility standards]
|
World Tuberculosis Day 2025 – Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver
Tuberculosis (TB) is a preventable and generally curable disease. However, in 2023 it once again became the world's leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, after being overtaken by COVID-19 in the previous two years. Urgent action is needed to end the global TB epidemic by 2035 – a goal adopted by all United Nations member states and the WHO. On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day on March 24, 2025, the Epidemiologisches Bulletin 12+13/2025 presents the progress and challenges in the field of TB.
Integrated Molecular Surveillance of Tuberculosis – Current Status and Initial Results
Since 2020, the Robert Koch Institute and the National Reference Center for Mycobacteria, in collaboration with relevant public health stakeholders, have been establishing the Integrated Molecular Surveillance of Tuberculosis (IMS-TB). Within the framework of IMS-TB, the genomes of tuberculosis pathogens from culture-positive cases reported in Germany are systematically analyzed using whole-genome sequencing. The sequence data are then linked to the reporting data in accordance with the Infection Protection Act, and the results are continuously evaluated.
Homelessness and Tuberculosis in Hamburg
Homeless tuberculosis patients regularly pose significant challenges for public health authorities. On the one hand, the responsibility for treatment costs for patients without health insurance is not clearly and uniformly regulated in Germany. On the other hand, those affected often suffer from comorbidities. Addictions, in particular, make treatment adherence difficult. The Epidemiologisches Bulletin 12+13/2025 reports on findings on tuberculosis transmission in the context of homelessness in Hamburg based on several molecular biological clusters and outlines the working methods of the Tuberculosis Control Unit in Hamburg.
Predictors of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in Frankfurt am Main, 2008–2023
Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily a lung disease, but it can also manifest in numerous other organs. According to the WHO definition, extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is TB without involvement of the lung parenchyma, trachea, or bronchi. Due to the rarity of other manifestations and often non-specific symptoms, the diagnosis of EPTB is in many cases delayed. Therefore, it is of practical importance to know the predictors of EPTB. In the Epidemiologisches Bulletin 12+13/2025, the predictors of EPTB are analyzed based on TB cases reported in Frankfurt am Main.
(Articles in German)
|
20/03/2025 |
Epidemiologisches Bulletin 11/2025 [PDF, 2MB, File does not meet accessibility standards]
|
RKI guideline to hand, foot, and mouth disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infectious disease that is mainly caused by group A enteroviruses. In most cases, it is harmless. It mainly affects children under the age of ten years but can also occur in adults. Initial symptoms are fever, loss of appetite, and a sore throat. One to two days after the onset of fever, small painful red spots usually appear on the oral mucosa, which develop into blisters and often ulcers. Another one to two days later, a non-itchy rash develops, usually on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The RKI guidelines provides an overview of the pathogen, symptoms, diagnostics and therapy, as well as hygiene and preventive measures.
(Article in German)
|
13/03/2025 |
Epidemiologisches Bulletin 10/2025 [PDF, 2MB, File does not meet accessibility standards]
|
The measles vaccination mandate - a success story?
In November 2024, the Robert Koch Institute held the workshop "The measles vaccination mandate - a success story?" as part of a research project to evaluate the measles vaccination mandate. The purpose was to discuss whether five years after the adoption of the Measles Protection Act in 2019, the mandatory proof of a vaccination against measles can be considered a successful public health measure. The conference report describes how over the course of two days, data, experiences and the future of the measles vaccination mandate were discussed. Among the participants of the workshop were stakeholders from public health service, research, politics and medical practice.
(Article in German)
|
06/03/2025 |
Epidemiologisches Bulletin 09/2025 [PDF, 6MB, File does not meet accessibility standards]
|
TBE risk areas in Germany (as of January 2025)
In Germany, there is a risk of TBE infection primarily in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, in southern Hesse, in southeastern Thuringia, in Saxony and in southeastern Brandenburg. Isolated risk areas are also located in central Hesse, Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate, Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. Three new risk areas have now been added, two of which border on known risk areas: the district of Augsburg in Bavaria, and the district of Elbe-Elster in Brandenburg. The district of Celle in Lower Saxony is now also a risk area. There are currently 183 designated TBE risk areas. In 2024, 686 TBE cases were reported, the second highest case number since the beginning of data collection in 2001.
(Article in German)
|
27/02/2025 |
Epidemiologisches Bulletin 08/2025 [PDF, 3MB, File does not meet accessibility standards]
|
DART 2030 and its cross-sectoral implementation - a use case for local ABS networks?
Combating the health threat posed by antibiotic resistance is based primarily on two pillars: hygienic and preventive measures with surveillance and containment of resistant pathogens, and measures for the rational and responsible use of antibiotics, usually summarized as "antibiotic stewardship" (ABS). In 2008, the German Antibiotic Resistance Strategy (DART) was developed under the leadership of the BMG, which included a comprehensive concept for dealing with the ecological problem of bacterial multi-resistance. In 2023, the BMG further developed this strategy paper as "DART 2030". A central approach is to bring together different stakeholders to exchange knowledge and make use of synergies. These aspects were an important driving force for the establishment of the ABS network Westfalen-Lippe in 2022.
Model project for antibiotic resistance surveillance in Ostwestfalen-Lippe
Various international and national surveillance programs and interactive databases to monitor resistance developments have been established and incorporate data from institutions such as laboratories and hospitals of different countries. The central database in Germany is the Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance (ARS) at the RKI, which in turn is linked to international networks (e. g. ECDC and WHO). This article presents the model project of a regional, multi-hospital resistance observatory. The structured compilation of resistance data from the three hospitals that make up the University Hospital of Ostwestfalen-Lippe offers a direct comparison with national reference data and is able to depict special features of regional infection events.
(Articles in German)
|
20/02/2025 |
Epidemiologisches Bulletin 07/2025 [PDF, 3MB, File does not meet accessibility standards]
|
The HPV school vaccination program of the city of Bremen and its effects on the use of HPV vaccination 2015 - 2023
HPV vaccinations have been recommended by the Standing Committee on Vaccination for girls since 2007 and for boys since 2018. Children and adolescents should be vaccinated against HPV as early as possible, as HPV is sexually transmitted and the effectiveness of the HPV vaccination depends on whether an infection with the HPV types contained in the vaccine has already occurred. After the recommended vaccination age has passed, however, only about half of girls and a third of boys in Germany are vaccinated against HPV. There are also significant regional differences in the vaccination rates. The city of Bremen has been running a HPV school vaccination program since the 2013/2014 school year. In 2024, a comprehensive evaluation of this program was carried out for the first time by the Bremen Health Department in cooperation with the Robert Koch Institute.
(Article in German)
|
13/02/2025 |
Epidemiologisches Bulletin 06/2025 [PDF, 3MB, File does not meet accessibility standards]
|
HPV-related cancer in men - an underestimated risk
On the occasion of this year's World Cancer Day, the Epidemiologisches Bulletin 6/2025 has published an article about cancer in men that is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV): The connection between HPV infection and oropharyngeal or anogenital cancers area has been clearly proven. (Article in German)
|
06/02/2025 |
Epidemiologisches Bulletin 05/2025 [PDF, 2MB, File does not meet accessibility standards]
|
Neglected Tropical Diseases – Acting Together for a World Without NTDs
On January 30, the World NTD Day focuses on a global health crisis that is often overlooked: neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). World NTD Day calls for joint action to achieve a world free of these diseases. This year's motto, "Unite. Act. Eliminate," is a clear appeal to all those involved: strengthen cooperation, act decisively and advance the common goal of NTD elimination. (Article in German)
Update on the detection of cVDPV2 in wastewater
On November 28, 2024, the RKI reported the detection of cVDPV2 in wastewater in Germany. We here provide an update on sampling sites and test results. To date, no suspected cases of polio have been reported in Germany. The importance of the mandatory reporting of polio cases or suspected cases as well as the sending of samples of suspected polio cases to the NRZ are highlighted. The vaccination status of children and people living in communal facillities should be checked, and missing vaccinations completed. (Article in German)
|
30/01/2025 |
Epidemiologisches Bulletin 04/2025 [PDF, 2MB, File does not meet accessibility standards]
|
Recommendations by the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) at the Robert Koch Institute 2025
The STIKO vaccination recommendations were endorsed in the 109th STIKO meeting.
|
23/01/2025 |
Epidemiologisches Bulletin 03/2025 [PDF, 2MB, File does not meet accessibility standards]
|
Unite for Action: The path to a world free of leprosy
The motto of this year’s International World Leprosy Day is “Unite for Action: End Leprosy Now”. It is an urgent call to action and ties in with the global leprosy strategy “Towards Zero Leprosy” (2021 – 2030). The aim of this strategy is to eliminate leprosy by interrupting transmission. However, this alone is not enough. Instead, a holistic approach is required that takes into account the often interwoven political, economic, sociocultural and medical aspects of leprosy and also focuses in particular on the psychosocial aspects that are all too often neglected.
|
16/01/2025 |
Epidemiologisches Bulletin 02/2025 [PDF, 3MB, File does not meet accessibility standards]
|
Report of the National Reference Center for Gram-negative Hospital Pathogens for the year 2023
In 2023, the National Reference Center (NRZ) for gram-negative hospital pathogens received 10,257 submissions of bacterial isolates. This corresponded to an increase of 7.4 % compared to 2022 (n = 9,548). The number of carbapenemase detections also increased – and in relative terms, more evidently than the number of submissions. According to the NRZ data, the increasing detection of carbapenemase-producing bacterial strains in Germany is therefore real and not just due to an increase in test numbers. This represents a relevant problem insofar as the production of carbapenemase is often associated with resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics that are widely used in clinics and therefore drastically restricts available treatment options.
|
09/01/2025 |
Epidemiologisches Bulletin 01/2025 [PDF, 3MB, File does not meet accessibility standards]
|
RKI guidelines on head lice
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are found worldwide and most frequently in primary school children (7 – 9 years). Head lice infestation is not caused by a lack of hygiene, as head lice are not eliminated by washing the hair with ordinary shampoo. Instead, the spread is promoted by close interpersonal contact, i. e. direct head-to-head contact. Head lice can occur at any time of the year. The spread of head lice is facilitated if the information regarding the infestation is lacking or passed on too late or when treatment proves insufficient. The RKI guidelines provide a detailed overview of the characteristics and distribution of head lice, symptoms, diagnosis, as well as treatment of head lice infestation and prevention measures.
|
02/01/2025 |