ECDC: On Air

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

A peek behind the scenes at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control - the EU agency that aims to identify, assess and communicate current and emerging threats to human health posed by infectious diseases in Europe.

Hear from our experts on a wide range of topics as they discuss the things that matter, and give you a crash course in Epidemiology 101.

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S1 · E79
Wednesday · 17 min
Episode 79 - Antonia Genath & Linda Adamíková - Learning In The Field: 7 Weeks In South Sudan
What happens when field epidemiology moves beyond the desk? To mark World Field Epidemiology Day, Antonia Genath and Linda Adamíková share their experience of a seven-week deployment to South Sudan, where they supported Ebola preparedness and surveillance activities. They discuss working in a fragile health system, strengthening surveillance, supporting contact-tracing preparedness and collaborating with local colleagues in Juba and Yambio, close to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They also reflect on what the deployment taught them, both professionally and personally, and why getting outside the “European surveillance bubble” can change the way you think about epidemiology. Linda and Antonia are fellows in the European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET) and the German Postgraduate Training for Applied Epidemiology (PAE). During their two-year fellowships, they are based at Germany’s national public health institute, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), where they contribute to projects and routine activities in infectious disease epidemiology. Check the links below to learn more about: 🔗 ECDC Fellowship Programme (EPIET/EUPHEM) 🔗 Ebola disease page 🔗 Information on the current Ebola outbreak in DRC
S1 · E78
September 4 · 29 min
Risk Wire - Episode 4 - Otilia Mårdh - When Gonorrhoea Fights Back
Gonorrhoea has developed resistance to almost every antibiotic used against it. So what happens when the treatments we still rely on start to lose their effectiveness? Cases of gonorrhoea resistant to ceftriaxone, currently the first-line treatment, are increasing in Europe. And while resistant infections were previously mainly linked to travel, there is now growing evidence that transmission is also happening locally. In this episode of ECDC: On Air – Risk Wire, Otilia Mårdh, ECDC expert on sexually transmitted infections, explains what is behind the rise of drug-resistant gonorrhoea, why Neisseria gonorrhoeae is so good at developing resistance and what multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant gonorrhoea actually mean. Could gonorrhoea eventually become untreatable? We look at how close we are to losing some of the treatments available today, what new antibiotics could offer, and how surveillance, prevention, testing and appropriate treatment can help keep gonorrhoea treatable. Learn more: ECDC risk assessment on ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea ECDC information on gonorrhoea
S1 · E77
August 20 · 26 min
Episode 77 - Céline Gossner - What’s Biting Europe? Mosquitoes On The Move
On World Mosquito Day, we’re taking a closer look at Europe’s changing mosquito landscape and what it means for public health. Mosquitoes capable of transmitting diseases such as dengue and chikungunya are now established in more parts of Europe, while West Nile virus is already circulating across the continent. As mosquito distributions and environmental conditions change, more areas may become suitable for transmission. In this episode of ECDC: On Air, Céline Gossner, Deputy Head of Unit One Health related Diseases / Head of Section Food, Water, Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases at ECDC, explains what we need to know about dengue, chikungunya and West Nile virus in Europe. How can an infection acquired while travelling lead to local transmission back home? Which mosquitoes transmit which diseases? Who is more at risk of severe illness, and what can we do to protect ourselves and the people around us? We also look at how mosquito breeding can be reduced around our homes and communities, how climate and environmental conditions influence transmission, and why surveillance, early detection and preparedness are becoming increasingly important. The message is not one of alarm, but of preparedness. Understanding the risks and acting early can help reduce the impact of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe. Learn more: 🦟 Mosquito-borne diseases at ECDC https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/mosquito-borne-diseases 🗺️ Where are different mosquito species found in Europe? https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/disease-vectors/surveillance-and-disease-data/mosquito-maps ✈️ Mosquito-borne diseases: what you need to know before, during and after travelling https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/mosquito-borne-diseases-what-you-need-know-during-and-after-travelling
S1 · E76
August 5 · 16 min
Episode 76 - Aleksandra Kaźmierczak & Celine Gossner - Not Just A Hotter Summer - Climate Change and Health
Climate change is already affecting our health, often in ways we don't realise. Beyond hotter summers and more frequent heatwaves, it is creating conditions that allow some infectious diseases to spread, extending allergy seasons and increasing health risks linked to extreme weather.In this episode of ECDC: On Air, Dr Celine Gossner, Deputy Head of Unit for One Health-related Diseases at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), expert in food, water, vector-borne and zoonotic diseases, and Aleksandra Kaźmierczak - Expert in Climate Change and Human Health at the European Environment Agency (EEA), discuss how a changing climate is reshaping health across Europe.From the spread of mosquitoes and ticks into new regions to the growing risks of food- and water-borne diseases, they explain how climate change is affecting infectious disease risks. They also explore the wider health impacts of rising temperatures, floods, wildfires, air pollution and changing pollen seasons, and why these changes are already affecting communities today, not just future generations.The conversation also looks at how Europe is preparing for climate-sensitive health threats through climate adaptation, surveillance, early warning systems and cross-sector collaboration, while highlighting practical steps individuals can take to protect themselves.-----In this episode:- Why climate change is a public health issue- How climate change is affecting infectious disease risks- Mosquito-borne diseases, tick-borne diseases and Vibrio infections- Heatwaves, floods, wildfires and respiratory health- The European Climate and Health Observatory- How Europe is preparing for climate-sensitive health threats- What individuals can do to reduce health risks-----Links:Latest ECDC news on heatwaves and healthECDC's guide to a safe summer-----Learn more:🏠 European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)🏠 European Environment Agency (EEA)🏠 European Climate and Health Observatory-----#ClimateChange #ClimateAndHealth #PublicHealth #ECDC #Heatwaves
S1 · E75
July 22 · 26 min
Episode 75 - Angeliki Melidou & Katriina Willgert - Could Bird Flu Become The Next Pandemic?
Public health podcast | Avian influenza | H5N1 | Pandemic preparedness---Avian influenza continues to pose a challenge for animal and public health. While the current risk to the general public in Europe remains low, the widespread circulation of H5N1 viruses in birds and other animals highlights the importance of preparedness.In this episode of ECDC: On Air, we are joined by ECDC experts - Angeliki Melidou and Katriina Willgert, who give us a lowdown on the current avian influenza situation in Europe, the factors that could change the risk to humans, and how countries are preparing for potential human cases.The discussion explores why avian influenza viruses are monitored so closely, what scientists look for when assessing pandemic potential, and why surveillance, early detection and the One Health approach are essential for reducing the risk of wider spread.The episode also looks at ECDC's preparedness framework for avian influenza, which supports European countries in assessing different scenarios and planning proportionate public health measures before sustained human-to-human transmission occurs.---In this episode: avian influenza, H5N1, pandemic preparedness, One Health, influenza surveillance, zoonotic influenza, risk assessment, early detection, public health preparedness, vaccines, antivirals and ECDC's preparedness framework.---➡ Learn more about avian influenza on ECDC pages here: https://bit.ly/4onkYbL➡ ECDC preparedness framework for avian influenza: https://bit.ly/43pCFhv---#AvianInfluenza #H5N1 #PublicHealth #OneHealth #PandemicPreparedness
S1 · E74
June 25 · 22 min
Episode 74 - Esther Kukielka-Zunzunegui - Tiny Bites, Big Consequences
Public health podcast | Tick-borne diseases | Lyme disease | Tick-borne encephalitis Tick-borne diseases affect thousands of people in Europe every year, and changes in the environment are influencing where ticks can be found and how long they remain active. In this episode of ECDC: On Air, we talk with ECDC expert Esther Kukielka-Zunzunegui about the growing public health importance of tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). The discussion explores how ticks transmit infections, where the risks are changing across Europe, and why awareness and prevention are essential for reducing the impact of these diseases. The episode also looks at practical steps people can take to protect themselves from tick bites and explains why surveillance and preparedness remain important as tick-borne diseases continue to evolve in Europe. --- ➡ Learn more about tick-borne diseases on ECDC pages here: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/tick-borne-diseases --- In this episode: tick-borne diseases, Lyme disease, Lyme borreliosis, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), tick bite prevention, vector-borne diseases, disease surveillance, climate and health, and infectious diseases in Europe. #TickBorneDiseases #LymeDisease #TickBorneEncephalitis #PublicHealth #VectorBorneDiseases
S1 · E73
April 9 · 26 min
Episode 73 - Theresa Enkirch & Maximilian Riess - Signals Below the Surface - Wastewater Surveillance
What can wastewater reveal about the spread of infectious diseases? ----- In this episode of ECDC: On Air, microbiologists Theresa Enkirch and Maximilian Riess explain how analysing wastewater can help scientists detect pathogens shed by populations and monitor trends in infections across communities. The discussion explores how wastewater surveillance complements traditional disease monitoring, how it is being implemented across Europe, and how new technologies may expand its role in detecting future health threats. ➡ Learn more about wastewater surveillance here. ➡ ECDC Framework on wastewater-based surveillance. Interested in ECDC in general? Visit our portal ⁠ecdc.europa.eu⁠ or follow us on ⁠social media⁠ for the latest news! ------ Topics: wastewater surveillance, infectious disease monitoring, environmental surveillance, epidemiology, public health.
S1 · E72
March 23 · 31 min
Episode 72 - Senia Rosales-Klintz - Hide and Seek: The Reality of Tuberculosis in Europe
Tuberculosis remains a significant public health challenge in Europe, despite often being considered a disease of the past. In this episode of ECDC: On Air, tuberculosis expert Senia Rosales-Klintz explains the current reality of TB, how the bacteria can remain dormant for years, and how it primarily affects vulnerable populations. The episode also explores social stigma, challenges in accessing newer treatments, and the critical role of tracking patient outcomes in eliminating the disease. Click here for more information on World Tuberculosis Day, and here for more information in general about ECDC. Check our social media to keep up to date with ECDC news.
S1 · E71
February 4 · 22 min
Episode 71 - Helena de Carvalho Gomes - Cervical Cancer Then & Now - The Path to Elimination
In this episode of ECDC On Air, we speak with ECDC's Helena de Carvalho Gomes - Deputy Head of Unit for Scientific Evidence and Communication, and former clinician in obstetrics and gynaecology, about the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in cervical cancer and how vaccination and screening can prevent the disease. Drawing on her clinical experience, she reflects on changes in cervical cancer prevention over the past 25 years and on the impact of HPV vaccination and screening in reducing pre-cancerous lesions and cancer risk among women.We also discuss why sustained vaccination programmes and regular cervical screening (Pap smear or Papanicolaou test) remain essential for reducing cervical cancer across Europe and moving towards its elimination. Want to know more about HPV and its connection to cervical cancer? Read more on the European Vaccination Information Portal in YOUR language here. Find out more about HPV on the disease page on ECDC Portal. More information on epidemiology in Europe in general can be found on our portal: https://⁠ecdc.europa.eu⁠ and ⁠social media channels⁠. Enjoy the episode!
S1 · E70
Dec 19, 2025 · 20 min
Risk Wire - Episode 3 - When Salmonella Crosses Borders
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/3KNFGCx Find out more about Salmonella on the disease pages on ECDC Portal here: www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/salmonellosis More information on epidemiology in Europe in general can be found on our portal: ⁠ecdc.europa.eu⁠ and ⁠social media channels⁠: bit.ly/ECDCSocialMedia Happy listening!
S1 · E69
Dec 9, 2025 · 15 min
Episode 69 - A. Collins & G. Amore - Foodborne diseases: What’s really making you sick
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 report More about foodborne diseases can be found also on both - ECDC portal: & EFSA portal.
S1 · E73
Nov 5, 2025 · 20 min
Episode 68 - Rita Figueira & Andreas Hoefer - A Network of Laboratory Excellence
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!
S1 · E67
Oct 23, 2025 · 20 min
Episode 67 - Angeliki Melidou - Winter Viruses: The triple threat explained
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.
S1 · E66
Sep 17, 2025 · 14 min
Episode 66 - Diamantis Plachouras - The Silent Spread - Europe’s C. auris Challenge
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.
S1 · E65
Sep 10, 2025 · 30 min
Episode 65 - All you Need to Know about Traineeships at ECDC
In this episode of ECDC On Air, trainees from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control share their unique experiences and insights about the traineeship program. They discuss their backgrounds, daily responsibilities, and provide valuable advice for future trainees. The conversation also covers life in Stockholm, career opportunities post-traineeship, and answers to audience questions, culminating in a rapid-fire round of fun questions. So, meet Arnau Cabruja Amat, Paula Messa Carmona, Dana Alsaialy and Márcia Luís - and find out more about the traineeships at ECDC. Interested in applying? The call has just been opened (9 September 2025). Don't miss it! Click here to find out more!
S1 · E64
Jul 16, 2025 · 21 min
Risk Wire - Episode 2 - Diphtheria in Europe: Why is ECDC Raising the Flag?
In this special episode of ECDC On Air, Bruno Ciancio - Head of Unit - Directly Transmitted and Vaccine-preventable Disease at ECDC, discusses the recent Rapid Risk Assessment on diphtheria, its symptoms, transmission, and the importance of vaccination. He highlights the current trends in diphtheria cases, particularly among vulnerable populations, and emphasizes the need for timely public health measures and effective treatment strategies. The conversation also compares diphtheria with measles, underscoring the critical role of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases. Read more about the situation in our press release here and find the full text of the Rapid Risk Assessment on diphtheria here. More information on epidemiology in Europe in general can be found on our portal: ecdc.europa.eu⁠ and ⁠social media channels⁠.
S1 · E63
Jun 27, 2025 · 14 min
Risk Wire - Episode 1 - Linda Trönnberg & Theresa Enkirch - Hepatitis A Spike in Europe: What’s Behind the Surge?
Why are hepatitis A cases rising sharply in parts of Europe - and what can public health professionals do about it? In this episode of ECDC on Air, Linda Trönnberg - Principal Expert in Food-, Waterborne and Zoonotic Diseases, and Theresa Enkirch - Expert in Microbiology and Molecular Epidemiology break down the latest hepatitis A outbreak affecting Austria, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia, highlighting who is being most affected, how the virus is spreading, and what actions can help contain it. From person-to-person transmission in areas with limited sanitation to the role of genomic sequencing and the importance of tailored outreach, this episode explores the science and strategy behind the response and what cross-border coordination can achieve. This is the first episode in the series where we focus on the recently published Rapid RIsk Assesments on infectious diseases. The RRA on Hepatitis A cases from 18 June 2025 can be found here. For more on Hepatitis, check the dedicated pages on the ECDC portal. More information on epidemiology in Europe in general can be found on our portal: https://ecdc.europa.eu and social media channels.
S1 · E62
May 27, 2025 · 26 min
Episode 62 - Andrea Würz & Sarah Earnshaw Blomquist - The 5 Cs of Vaccination
In this episode of #ECDCOnAir, the discussion revolves around vaccination acceptance, exploring the factors influencing people's health choices, the role of social and behavioural sciences, the impact of misinformation, and the trends in vaccination rates across Europe. ECDC experts - Sarah Earnshaw Blomquist and Andrea Würz provide insights into how understanding these dynamics can help improve vaccination uptake and public health strategies. Learn more about the 5 C's here and join the ECDC Lighthouse. For more information about ECDC in general, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠ecdc.europa.eu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
S1 · E61
May 2, 2025 · 21 min
Episode 61 - Maria Keramarou - The Big Measles Comeback
In this episode of ECDC: On Air, Maria Keramarou, ECDC's expert in vaccine-preventable diseases, discusses the rising cases of measles in Europe. We explore the highly contagious nature of measles, the importance of vaccination, the resurgence of cases post-COVID, and the challenges of vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. Learn more about the European Immunization Week on our dedicated page here. Find all the information about vaccinations in YOUR language on the European Vaccination Information Portal. For more information about ECDC in general, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ecdc.europa.eu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠.
S1 · E60
Apr 23, 2025 · 15 min
Episode 60 - Charlotte Deogan - Europe's SDG Reality Check
In this episode, we explore Europe's progress toward the 2030 SDGs with Charlotte Deogan, expert in communicable diseases at ECDC. This episode unpacks SDG Target 3.3, which aims to end the epidemics of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, and combat viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections by 2030. As ECDC releases its first comprehensive monitoring report on the SDGs, we discuss the EU/EEA's current status and whether we are on track. ECDC’s reports and other work on the SDGs can be found here. For more information about ECDC in general, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ecdc.europa.eu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media.

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