This webpage provides information on the activities of the European Reference Laboratory Vector-borne Viral Pathogens (EURL-PH-VBV).
22-23 May 2025: First meeting European Union Reference Laboratories network
ECDC and Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) hosted a meeting of the newly founded network of European Union Reference Laboratories for Public Health (EURL-PH) in Luxembourg. The network currently comprises the first nine EU (European Union
) Reference Laboratories for Public Health designated by the European Commission in collaboration with ECDC. The European Union Reference Laboratory for Public Health on Vector-borne Viral Pathogens (EURL-PH-VBV), coordinated by RIVM, is one of the first EU Reference Laboratories for Public Health. It has been operational since 1 January, 2025.
EURL-PH-VBV was present at the two-day event, which brought together experts from the European Commission, ECDC, the European Health and Digital Executive Agency, and EURL coordinators to strengthen collaboration, establish coordination practices, and define priorities for laboratory support across the EU. In total, 56 laboratory experts joined forces in this landmark meeting. It was a milestone in the European Union's joint efforts regarding health security preparedness, as the EURL-PH will strengthen EU laboratory capacity and play a key role in anticipating and early detecting communicable disease outbreaks. See also ECDC news item.
15 April 2025: ESCMID Global, Educational session “An Update on arboviruses”
By EURL-PH-VBV joined by Polish Association of Epidemiologists and Infectiologists.
Arboviruses are viruses transmitted by arthropod vectors, like mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies. Due to several factors, including globalisation and climate change, the global incidence of arboviral diseases is increasing dramatically. In addition, novel variants are emerging, and alterations in the virus genome can affect virus transmissibility or pathogenicity. Therefore, there is a need for awareness and rapid diagnosis to implement adequate prevention and vector control measures. This session will provide an update on epidemiology, clinical aspects, diagnostics, phylogeny and prevention of arboviral diseases. Special attention will be given to arboviruses with outbreak potential.
Presentation(s)
- The global epidemiology of arboviral diseases - Chantal Reusken, Netherlands
- Arboviral diseases transmitted by mosquitoes - Luisa Barzon, Italy
- Aboviral diseases transmitted by ticks - Joanna Maria Zajkowska, Poland
- Arboviral diseases transmitted by sandflies - Rémi Charrel, France
28 maart 2024: RIVM European Reference Lab for vector-borne infections
The European Commission (EC) has designated RIVM as the current European Reference Lab (EURL) for vector-borne viral pathogens. These infections are caused by viruses transmitted by vectors such as ticks, mosquitoes, midges and sandflies. Examples include West Nile virus, dengue virus and tick-borne encephalitis virus. Read more