A series of infectious diseases, both within and outside European borders, are being monitored by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), according to its latest report on health threats covering the week of July 25–31, 2026.

The main focus areas are the Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the seasonal circulation of West Nile virus in Europe, the first locally acquired cases of chikungunya and dengue fever in France, the risk posed by Vibrio bacteria in coastal waters, as well as the global cholera situation.

Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda

The most serious outbreak concerns Ebola virus disease caused by the Bundibugyo strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As of July 28, 2026, the country had reported 3,442 confirmed cases and 1,521 deaths. Since the beginning of the outbreak, five provinces have been affected: Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo and Haut-Uélé.

By contrast, Uganda has reported no new cases since June 21, 2026. The country recorded a total of 20 confirmed infections, including two deaths, while on July 28 the Ugandan Ministry of Health declared the end of the outbreak alert.

Chikungunya and dengue fever in France

From the beginning of 2026 until July 29, France was the only European country to report a locally transmitted chikungunya case. It was the first locally acquired case recorded during the current season.

A similar picture applies to dengue fever. By July 29, France had reported one locally acquired case, while no new cases were reported to the ECDC during the previous week.

Both diseases are transmitted by infected mosquitoes and have been monitored more closely in Europe in recent years due to increasingly favourable environmental conditions for mosquito vectors.

West Nile virus detected in 49 European regions

The seasonal circulation of West Nile virus continues. According to the ECDC, from the beginning of the 2026 transmission season until July 29, local transmission of the virus had been detected in 49 regions across seven European countries.

The affected areas are located in Italy (30), Greece (8), Romania (4), North Macedonia (2), Spain (2), France (2) and Germany (1).

The ECDC notes that seasonal weather conditions are particularly favourable for mosquito-borne transmission and estimates that more cases are expected in the coming weeks.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Spain

In seasonal surveillance of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Spain is currently the only European country to have reported locally acquired cases in 2026.

By July 29, three cases had been recorded, including one new case reported during the latest week.

According to the ECDC assessment, the risk to the general population in Spanish areas where the virus is known to circulate remains low. However, the risk is higher for people working outdoors and exposed to tick bites, including forestry workers, hikers and people who come into contact with animals.

Vibrio bacteria in coastal waters

The report also highlights the seasonal monitoring of “flesh-eating” bacteria of the Vibrio genus in EU/EEA coastal waters during the summer period.

Based on predictions from the Vibrio Viewer system, by August 5, 2026, 98 municipalities across 18 regions in six countries are expected to show high environmental suitability for the growth of these bacteria. Most affected areas are located in Germany, France and Poland.

The ECDC reminds that infection can occur through consumption of raw or undercooked seafood, particularly shellfish, or through exposure of open wounds to contaminated seawater.

Symptoms can range from gastroenteritis to skin infections and, more rarely, severe invasive disease. Higher-risk groups include people with underlying conditions such as diabetes, chronic liver disease or weakened immune systems.

Respiratory virus activity remains low

Across the EU/EEA, respiratory virus activity remains at baseline levels, indicating limited circulation.

SARS-CoV-2 activity remains low across all age groups, both in primary and secondary healthcare settings. Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity are showing similar patterns.

Avian influenza A(H9N2) in China

China reported four human cases of avian influenza A(H9N2), according to the latest update from the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Regional Office.

The cases involved two children and two adults, were geographically separate from one another, and all patients had previous direct or indirect exposure to poultry.

Two patients developed mild symptoms and two were hospitalized, while all recovered.

For the general population of the EU/EEA, the risk associated with this zoonotic disease is currently considered very low.

Cholera: More than 132,000 cases worldwide

Globally, from January 1 to July 27, 2026, 132,313 cholera cases and 1,556 deaths were reported.

Between June 22 and July 27 alone, 8,247 new cases and 326 deaths were recorded.

The five countries reporting the highest number of cases are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Somalia, the Central African Republic and Malawi.

Most recent deaths were reported in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Angola and Cameroon.

Need for continuous surveillance

The overall picture shows that, although the risk to the general European population remains low for most of the diseases mentioned above, seasonality, population movements, climate change and outbreaks in other parts of the world continue to make constant surveillance and timely information essential.