Rapid Risk Assessment: Enterovirus detections associated with severe neurological symptoms in children and adults in European countries, 8 August 2016

​The timing of the current enterovirus outbreaks closely follows the usual increase in summer, but reports suggest that seasonal enterovirus activity in the EU/EEA Member States started earlier than in previous years. Some Member States also report an increased frequency of severe disease associated with enterovirus infection.

While it is difficult to interpret these observations in the absence of robust historical data, Member States should consider raising awareness of the importance of including enterovirus infection in the differential diagnosis of neurological and severe respiratory illness. Reporting of enterovirus clusters and outbreaks through the Early Warning and Response System (EWRS) in EU/EEA countries is encouraged. ​