Weekly releases (1997–2007) - Volume 12, Issue 44, 01 November 2007

Early in October 2007, an increase in notifications of human cases infected with Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 was seen in the Netherlands.

From 28 September to 22 October, nine domestically acquired cases of Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 were diagnosed in Iceland, one of which is probably a secondary case.

In Italy, 500,000 cases of varicella are estimated each year, most of them occurring in children aged between 0 and 14 years.

One of the most controversial aspects of planning for a pandemic concerns the role and application of public health measures that could reduce its impact.