ECDC: On Air

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
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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.

  1. Risk Wire - Episode 3 - When Salmonella Crosses Borders

    12/19/2025

    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!

    21 min
  2. Episode 69 - A. Collins & G. Amore - Foodborne diseases: What’s really making you sick

    12/09/2025

    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.

    15 min
  3. Episode 68 - Rita Figueira & Andreas Hoefer - A Network of Laboratory Excellence

    11/05/2025

    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!

    21 min
  4. Episode 67 - Angeliki Melidou - Winter Viruses: The triple threat explained

    10/23/2025

    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.

    21 min
  5. Episode 66 - Diamantis Plachouras - The Silent Spread - Europe’s C. auris Challenge

    09/17/2025

    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.

    15 min
  6. Episode 65 - All you Need to Know about Traineeships at ECDC

    09/10/2025

    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!

    31 min
  7. Risk Wire - Episode 2 - Diphtheria in Europe: Why is ECDC Raising the Flag?

    07/16/2025

    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.

    22 min
  8. Risk Wire - Episode 1 - Linda Trönnberg & Theresa Enkirch - Hepatitis A Spike in Europe: What’s Behind the Surge?

    06/27/2025

    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.

    15 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
  • Show Website
    ECDC: On Air

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