Summary
The work on a tuberculosis outbreak in Vienna, as part of a European cluster with significant involvement of AGES employees, was published in the scientific journal Eurosurveillance .
SARS-CoV-2 detections are increasing both in Austria and in Europe.
Compared to the record West Nile virus year 2024, only two infections in animals and one imported human case have been detected in Austria so far this year.
In Europe, 25 locally acquired dengue and 408 locally acquired chikungunya cases have already been reported this year. In Austria, only imported cases have been registered so far.
The WHO reports an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In the topic of the month, we report on the colourful variety of different meadow and forest infections and how you can protect yourself so that your recreation in the countryside is not spoilt.
Nepal has eradicated rubella . And the 2024 annual reports of the National Reference Centres for tuberculosis, polioviruses, noroviruses, shigella, Escherichia coli and foodborne outbreaks have been published.
On 21 August 2020, a study with significant participation of AGES experts was published in the journal Eurosurveillance . The publication presents preliminary results of the investigations of a transnational tuberculosis cluster discovered by the health authorities in Vienna. Between 2021 and 2025, a total of 57 cases of a sensitive tuberculosis strain of the Beijing lineage were detected in nine European countries. Austria reported 23 cases, 16 of which were in Vienna.
By linking whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from the National Reference Laboratory for Tuberculosis with epidemiological patient data from the epidemiological reporting system (EMS), it was possible to determine that the affected patients were not born in Austria. However, since in most cases the diseases only occurred many years after their arrival in Austria, it can be assumed that they were infected in Vienna. This finding makes it clear that tuberculosis infections also occur in Austria and can make a relevant contribution to the national epidemiology of the disease. This underlines the importance of structural framework conditions in the area of healthcare and social integration for disease prevention.
In February 2025, the AGES Integrated Genomic Surveillance (IGS) working group informed the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) about the outbreak in Vienna. By exchanging genomic data with other European countries, a cross-border cluster was identified. The genomic analysis of the M. tuberculosis isolates revealed a very close relationship to the isolates of the cases from other European countries, suggesting a common source of infection, possibly related to precarious conditions on migration routes.
The combination of epidemiological information and microbiological typing data forms the basis of the IGS. The study shows how important this integrated approach is for understanding transmission routes and taking targeted measures to break the chains of infection. Changes in the prevalence of specific genotypes can be closely monitored, improving the ability to respond to spread within the community or across national borders.
The concentration of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater has been rising again since the beginning of August. The proportion of samples testing positive for the coronavirus is also increasing in the sentinel system. At the end of August and beginning of September, the positivity rate was around 20%, the highest level since October 2024. The increase is not reflected in hospital admissions; 76 patients with COVID-19 were admitted to normal wards in the week of 18 August 2025.
A steady increase in SARS-CoV-2 circulation is also being observed in some European countries. Hospital admissions and deaths remain lower than at the same time last year.
Coronavirus - AGES
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Wastewater monitoring
SARI dashboard
In August, the first West Nile virus infection in a human this year was detected in Austria. This is most likely a case imported from Egypt.
Two cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have been reported in animals so far this year: the first at the beginning of August in a crow in the district of Baden, the second in a horse. No evidence has yet been found in the examination of mosquitoes this year. This indicates a weak West Nile virus season overall in Austria, although transmissions may still occur until the end of October if the weather is favourable.
Last year, Austria had a record year with a total of 37 reported cases (34 of which were autochthonous) in the human sector and 61 detected outbreaks in the veterinary sector. In addition, the virus was detected in three infected mosquitoes in 2024. This season, the number of mosquitoes is also significantly lower than in the previous year; all samples taken so far have tested negative for WNV (as of 8 August 2025).
The WNV situation in Austria is being monitored; weekly updates can be found at West Nile Virus - AGES. More information on WNV cases in animals can be found in the monthly animal disease radar.
As of 3 September 2025, nine European countries have reported autochthonous human cases of WNV infection: Albania (2), Bulgaria (1), France (13), Greece (50), Italy (500) and Romania (14) Serbia (32), Spain (5) and Hungary (6). Italy has the highest number of confirmed cases, especially in the Latina region near Rome, where 187 cases have been reported so far.
Weekly updates: 2025 West Nile virus transmission season
West Nile Virus - AGES
Austria-wide monitoring for the detection of alien mosquito species - AGES
As of 3 September 2025, 408 locally acquired chikungunya cases have been reported in Europe, 301 of them in France and 107 in Italy. The high number in France is partly due to the more than 900 imported cases(Santé Publique, as of 3 September 2025). A chikungunya outbreak is underway in the French overseas territory of La Réunion, from which most imported cases return, with over 54,000 confirmed cases since the beginning of the year(ECDC, as of 18 July 2025).
As of 3 September 2025,autochthonous dengue cases have been confirmed in France (19), Italy (4) and Portugal (2).
In view of these figures, the ECDC has already warned in a press release for "World Mosquito Day 2025" that this could become a new normality in Europe in the future, particularly due to improving climatic breeding conditions for mosquitoes (longer, warmer summers, mild winters, changing precipitation patterns), and is calling for joint efforts in monitoring and control.
In Austria, 12 imported chikungunya cases and 108 imported dengue cases have been reported so far this year (as at 10/09/2025). There has been no evidence of local transmission in any case to date.
The chikungunya virus and the dengue virus are mainly transmitted by yellow fever and tiger mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus- in contrast to the West Nile virus, where the mosquito genus Culex plays the main role in transmission.
The Asian tiger mosquito(Aedes albopictus) is now established in certain regions of Austria, especially in urban areas such as Vienna and Graz. The spread of the tiger mosquito is monitored by AGES through various projects. Among other things, there is the free Mosquito Alert App, where citizens can report sightings themselves.
One essential measure to contain the spread of the virus is to avoid breeding sites for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes breed in small bodies of water, which is why it is important to empty water containers at least once a week, turn containers in which water can collect upside down or store them under a roof, and cover rain barrels, among other things.
In the AGES Radar for Infectious Diseases of 17 July 2025, we dealt in detail with the Chikungunya virus.
You can find more information on Mosquitoes & diseases - AGES
On 4 September 2025, the health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) confirmed an outbreak of Ebola outbreak in a province in the south of the country. So far, 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths have been reported, including health workers.
The number of cases is expected to rise. The affected region is very remote and difficult to reach. A national rapid response team and local groups are working to identify and treat those who may be infected and to prevent further transmission. DRC has Ebola vaccines that are now being transported to the affected region to immunise contacts and health workers.
The last Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was in 2022 and was brought under control after three months.
Natural landscapes and green spaces, such as meadows and forests, provide important recreational areas for people and habitats for many animal species. People who regularly spend time outdoors can come into contact with pathogens that are widespread there. These "meadow and forest diseases" are transmitted by animals, their faeces or through contaminated environments. For some people, the risk is increased because they are in professional contact with wild animals or work in their habitats, such as forestry workers, hunters, animal carers and veterinarians. Dog owners should also be vigilant, as their pets can introduce pathogens.
We provide an overview of a bacterium, a parasite and two viruses that you may encounter "in meadows and forests" in Austria. They are all notifiable and are monitored by both the public health and animal health departments of AGES.
| Disease | Animals (in Austria) | Route of transmission | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alveolar echinococcosis (fox tapeworm) | Fox | Ingestion of eggs from the faeces of infected foxes, for example via unwashed forest fruits or mushrooms, contaminated soil or through pets that are outside | Washing or heating forest fruits, hand hygiene, regular deworming of dogs |
| Hantavirus disease | Mice, rats | Infected animals excrete hantaviruses via saliva, urine and faeces; infection via inhalation of air containing viruses, bites | No vaccination; preventive measures such as wearing a mask when in contact with rodent faeces |
| Rabies | Bats | Through bite or scratch of an infected animal | Rabies vaccination |
| Tularemia | Wild animals, ticks, horseflies | Direct contact with infected wild animals, contaminated water or food; through insect bites | Careful handling of dead wild animals; insect repellent |
Pure nature - and a parasite - on your plate
If you spend time in the woods and meadows, you might pick wild garlic or wild berries, or collect mushrooms. The fox tapeworm should not be ignored here. The fox tape worm(Echinococcus multilocularis) causes echinococcosis in humans - a potentially life-threatening disease that primarily affects the liver. Infection occurs through the ingestion of fox tapeworm eggs from the faeces of infected foxes, for example via unwashed forest fruits or mushrooms, contaminated soil or from pets that spend time outdoors. The disease often remains asymptomatic for years. Later, abdominal pain, liver enlargement or jaundice may occur. The small fox tapeworm is found in many European countries, but particularly in Austria, Germany, Switzerland and France. In Vorarlberg, it is found on average in almost every second fox.
A recent Europe-wide review involving MedUni Vienna shows that the disease is much more common than previously assumed. The Alpine region and the Baltic states are particularly affected. Austria, Germany, France and Switzerland alone account for around two thirds of cases. In Austria, 13 cases of echinococcosis caused by fox tapeworm have been reported so far this year (as of 10/09/2025)
Hop, hop, rabbit plague
Not only when picking fruit and mushrooms can you encounter a pathogen, you should also exercise caution when in close contact with infected wild animals, especially when carving hares: this is where you can encounter Francisella tularensis . This bacterium causes tularaemia, also known as hare plague. As of 10.09.2025, 39 human tularaemia infections were reported this year, while Francisella tularensis was detected in 21 brown hares sent to AGES (as of 15.07.2025). The spread of the bacterium is also monitored in ticks, horseflies and other insects that can act as vectors: in 2024, Francisella tularensis was detected in a tick as part of the United4Surveillance project - over 2,000 samples were tested.
Red-backed vole as a virus carrier
Enclosed spaces in which rodents are or have been present are the main risk for hantavirus infection. However, hantavirus infections can also occur during hikes or forestry work. Infected animals excrete hantaviruses via saliva, urine and faeces. In Austria, transmission mainly occurs through the bank vole: either by inhaling aerosols containing viruses, fine airborne liquid particles, through bites or through contact of open skin areas with dust or soil in which virus particles are deposited. Hantavirus infections in humans have been reported in Austria so far this year (as of 10/09/2025).
In the AGES Radar for Infectious Diseases of 29 February 2024, we dealt in detail with the hantavirus during spring cleaning.
Bat rabies
When it comes to forests and meadows, rabies might also spring to mind. Austria has been considered free of terrestrial rabies since 2008. The last time a fox was diagnosed with rabies was in 2004 and 2006. The last case of rabies in a human in Austria was registered in 2004: this was a patient who was bitten by a rabid dog in Morocco.
A distinction must be made between terrestrial rabies and bat rabies. The lyssavirus, which is related to the "classic" rabies virus, was first detected in Austria in September 2023 in a dead broad-winged bat. Since 2007, bats found dead have been regularly tested for lyssaviruses at the National Reference Laboratory for Rabies (Institute for Veterinary Medicine, AGES Mödling).
To date, no people in Austria have contracted rabies following contact with bats. The rabies vaccination is recommended in Austria for people who may be professionally exposed, including bat researchers (cave researchers). If rabies is suspected, the AGES rabies advice centre is available.
In general, the following applies when spending time in meadows and forests: keep your hands away from wild animals and their faeces, apply effective insect repellent and wash collected food thoroughly, ideally cooking it thoroughly. Dog owners should ensure that their pets have no contact with (dead) wild animals or their faeces. If you are professionally exposed, it is recommended that you wear protective equipment and take any other protective measures when handling (dead) wild animals.
Nepal has officially eliminated rubella as a public health problem, making it the sixth country in the WHO South East Asia region to do so. Nepal launched a nationwide vaccination campaign in 2012 and added a second dose to the routine vaccination programme in 2016. Despite challenges such as earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic, the country achieved a vaccination rate of over 95% by 2024.
The 2024 annual report of the National Reference Centre for Tuberculosis was published at the end of August. In 2024, 389 cases of tuberculosis (TB cases) were registered in Austria. With an incidence of 4.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, the figure was well below the EU/EEA average of 8.0 per 100,000 inhabitants. Since 2014, the incidence has fallen annually by an average of 0.33 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. There were clear regional differences: as in previous years, the highest age-standardised incidence was recorded in Vienna at 6.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. Men were affected about twice as often as women. Among men born in Austria, the highest incidence rate was recorded in the age group ≥65 years, while among those not born in Austria, male adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years were particularly affected.
Four of the cases reported in 2024 were multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and one case was pre-extensively resistant tuberculosis (pre-XDR-TB). Both the number and proportion of resistant TB cases in Austria have been declining over the long term.
The 2024 annual report of the National Reference Centre for Polioviruses was published at the end of August.
One case of acute flaccid paralysis was reported in 2024: Enteroviruses could not be detected in this case.
A total of 26,808 samples were analysed throughout Austria last year in the monitoring of enterovirus infections, including 4,397 stool samples. Non-polio enteroviruses were found in 169 of these; poliovirus was not detected in any of the samples.
The 2024 annual report of the National Reference Centre for Shigella was published at the end of August.
In 2024, 88 confirmed Shigella infections were reported in Austria. The reference centre received 98 initial human isolates. Shigella sonnei was detected most frequently (59.2 %).
Six isolates were sensitive to all active substances tested. Resistance to ciprofloxacin was found in 35 isolates and to nalidixic acid in 44 isolates. In addition, 36 isolates were identified as ESBL (extended spectrum ß-lactamase) producers.
The 2024 annual report of the reference centre for noroviruses was published at the end of August.
In 2024, 3,510 confirmed and 18 probable norovirus infections were reported in Austria. The National Reference Centre for Noroviruses at AGES examined 525 samples, 379 of which came from the sentinel surveillance programme. 133 samples were sent in to clarify 22 outbreaks of gastrointestinal infections, with one outbreak still assigned to a cluster from 2023. The outbreaks mainly affected senior and care facilities. In 13 cases, the samples were stool samples for routine stool diagnostics for noroviruses.
The 2024 annual report of the National Reference Centre for Escherichia coli was published in September.
A total of 2,060 samples were analysed last year, 1,950 of which were from humans. Verotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) was detected in 998 stool samples, two serum samples and one urine sample. 853 cases, including 2 deaths, were reported in Austria in 2024. Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) occurred as a complication in 11 cases.
Seven VTEC outbreaks and 11 family clusters with 2 to 4 cases each were registered.
The 2024 annual report on foodborne outbreaks was published at the end of August.
In 2024, 34 foodborne disease outbreaks (LMbKAs) were registered in Austria, eight fewer than in the previous year. This affected 194 people, 77 people had to be hospitalised and there were two deaths. Salmonella spp. again caused the most frequent outbreaks with 17, followed by Campylobacter spp. with seven outbreaks and noroviruses with five. One outbreak each was caused by Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica, Shigella flexneri, non-typed E. coli and hepatitis A virus. Nine LMbKAs affected people from more than one federal state. Strong evidence between outbreak cases and food or a food business could be established for 11 outbreaks with 101 cases. General outbreaks accounted for 53% and household outbreaks for 29% of all outbreaks. No attribution could be made for six outbreaks. Eleven outbreaks were associated with stays abroad.
From a microbiological perspective, the resistance (resilience) of microorganisms to antibiotics (antibiotic resistance) and other anti-infectives (antimicrobial resistance) is a key aspect of the resistance of infectious pathogens. If bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, for example, these drugs work less well or no longer work at all. Switching to a different antibiotic can subsequently lead to a significant increase in the duration of treatment or increased drug side effects. In the worst case, infections with these pathogens can no longer be treated at all.
Antibiotics & Resistance - AGES
The AGES Radar for Infectious Diseases is published monthly. The aim is to provide the interested public with a quick overview of current infectious diseases in Austria and the world. The diseases are briefly described, the current situation is described and, where appropriate and possible, the risk is assessed. Links lead to more detailed information. The "Topic of the month" takes a closer look at one aspect of infectious diseases.
How is the AGES radar for infectious diseases compiled?
Who: The radar is a co-operation between the AGES divisions "Public Health" and Risk Communication.
What: Outbreaks and situation assessments of infectious diseases:
- National: Based on data from the Epidemiological Reporting System (EMS), outbreak investigation and regular reports from AGES and the reference laboratories
- International: Based on structured research
- Topic of the week (annual planning)
- Reports on scientific publications and events
Further sources:
Acute infectious respiratory diseases occur more frequently in the cold season, including COVID-19, influenza and RSV. These diseases are monitored via various systems, such as the Diagnostic Influenza Network Austria (DINÖ), the ILI (Influenza-like-Illness) sentinel system and the Austrian RSV Network (ÖRSN). The situation in hospitals is recorded via the SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Illness) dashboard.
Austrian laboratories send SARS-CoV-2 samples to AGES for sequencing. The sequencing results are regularly published on the AGES website.
For the international reports, health organisations (WHO, ECDC, CDC, ...) specialist media, international press, newsletters and social media are monitored on a route-by-route basis.
For infectious diseases in Austria, the situation is assessed by AGES experts, as well as for international outbreaks for which no WHO or ECDC assessment is available.
Disclaimer: The topics are selected according to editorial criteria, there is no claim to completeness.
Suggestions and questions to:wima@ages.at
As the response to enquiries is also coordinated between all parties involved (knowledge management, INFE, risk communication), please be patient. A reply will be sent within one week.
Case numbers of notifiable diseases according to the Epidemics Act, the figures are shown for the previous month and, in each case for the period from the beginning of the year to the end of the previous month, the figures for the current year, for the previous year, as well as the median of the last 5 years for comparison (Epidemiological Reporting System, as of 10/09/2025).
| Pathogens | 2025 | 2024 | 2020-2024 (median) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug | Jan-Aug | Jan-Aug | Jan-Aug | |
| Amoebic dysentery (amoebiasis) | 0 | 7 | 11 | 6 |
| Botulism b | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Brucellosis | 1 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Campylobacteriosis b | 725 | 4.545 | 4.624 | 4.238 |
| Chikungunya fever | 4 | 12 | 11 | 3 |
| Cholera | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Clostridioides difficile infection, severe course | 40 | 525 | 519 | 383 |
| Dengue fever | 19 | 108 | 165 | 36 |
| Diphtheria | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Ebola fever | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Echinococcosis due to fox tapeworm | 0 | 13 | 20 | 11 |
| Echinococcosis caused by dog tapeworm | 0 | 14 | 18 | 20 |
| Spotted fever (rickettsiosis caused by R. prowazekii) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) | 16 | 111 | 125 | 125 |
| Yellow fever | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Haemophilus influenzae, invasive a | 2 | 76 | 71 | 39 |
| Hantavirus disease | 1 | 23 | 15 | 22 |
| Hepatitis A | 13 | 178 | 44 | 25 |
| Hepatitis B | 80 | 628 | 727 | 650 |
| Hepatitis C | 82 | 683 | 753 | 577 |
| Hepatitis D | 0 | 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Hepatitis E | 2 | 40 | 38 | 38 |
| Whooping cough (pertussis) | 91 | 1.495 | 11.046 | 598 |
| Polio (poliomyelitis) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lassa fever | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Legionnaires' disease (legionellosis) d | 68 | 284 | 219 | 193 |
| Leprosy | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Leptospirosis | 2 | 8 | 19 | 10 |
| Listeriosis b | 3 | 24 | 26 | 26 |
| Malaria | 8 | 47 | 47 | 43 |
| Marburg fever | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Measles | 6 | 144 | 501 | 25 |
| Meningococcus, invasive c | 1 | 25 | 13 | 8 |
| Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Anthrax | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mpox e | 1 | 15 | 12 | 12 |
| Norovirus gastroenteritis b | 89 | 2.631 | 2.641 | 1.374 |
| Paratyphoid fever | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Plague | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Pneumococcus, invasive c | 30 | 698 | 573 | 286 |
| Smallpox | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Psittacosis | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Rotavirus gastroenteritis b | 53 | 907 | 638 | 453 |
| Glanders (Malleus) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rubella | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Relapsing fever | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEC | 110 | 615 | 510 | 314 |
| Salmonellosis b | 221 | 947 | 863 | 712 |
| Scarlet fever | 6 | 195 | 496 | 2 |
| Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Shigellosis b | 32 | 185 | 168 | 57 |
| Other viral meningoencephalitis | 26 | 127 | 114 | 90 |
| Rabies | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Trachoma (grain disease) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Trichinellosis | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Tuberculosis | 23 | 252 | 287 | 266 |
| Tularemia | 10 | 39 | 75 | 24 |
| Typhoid fever | 0 | 4 | 8 | 3 |
| Bird flu (avian influenza) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| West Nile virus disease | 1 | 1 | 17 | 2 |
| Yersiniosis b | 5 | 51 | 76 | 83 |
| Zika virus disease | 0 | 2 | 10 | 0 |
a The diseases are assessed according to the case definition. Diseases for which a case definition exists are shown, with the exception of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. As a rule, confirmed and probable cases are counted. Subsequent notifications or entries may result in changes.
b Bacterial and viral food poisoning, in accordance with the Epidemics Act.
c Invasive bacterial disease, in accordance with the Epidemics Act.
d Includes only cases with pneumonia.
e Mpox has been notifiable since 2022; the median is only calculated for the years in which notification is mandatory.
Last updated: 11.09.2025
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