Weekly releases (1997–2007) - Volume 10, Issue 3, 20 January 2005

Poultry outbreaks and human cases of infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A(H5N1) continue to be documented in Asia, with several new human infections being reported since December 2004, following a period of 2 months when no cases were reported.

Influenza activity was low in Spain between October and early December 2004, but has risen sharply since mid-December.

During week 1/2005 (week ending 9 January), influenza activity in Ireland showed a marked increase from previous weeks. However, this was followed by a rapid decline in week 2/2005

The availability of STI and HIV/AIDS prevention services and also general medical and social services for immigrants to Germany, needs to be better according to many health professionals.

This year’s high point of the Muslim Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia took place on the 19 January. At Hajj time, more than 2 million pilgrims come to Mecca, increasing the city’s population 10-fold

The European Commission has published the Work Plan 2005 for the Public Health Programme 2003-2008, and this year’s call for proposals