ECDC: On Air

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 [https://bit.ly/3KlhPdh] on the latest zoonoses report -> Read the full report [https://bit.ly/3KNSloY] More about foodborne diseases can be found also on both - ECDC portal [https://ecdc.europa.eu]: & EFSA portal [https://efsa.europa.eu].

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 [https://health.ec.europa.eu/health-security-and-infectious-diseases/surveillance-and-early-warning/eu-reference-laboratories-public-health_en]. Learn how ECDC works with EU Reference Laboratories on the ECDC portal [https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/microbiology/european-reference-laboratories]. Interested in ECDC and what we do? Visit our portal ecdc.europa.eu [https://ecdc.europa.eu] or follow us on social media [https://bit.ly/ECDCSocialMedia] for the latest news!

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 [erviss.org]. For more information about ECDC in general visit ecdc.europa.eu [ecdc.europa.eu] and follow our social media [https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/about-ecdc/media-centre/ecdc-social-media] for the latest news.

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 [https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/drug-resistant-fungus-candidozyma-auris-confirmed-spread-rapidly-european-hospitals]. For more information about ECDC in general, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ecdc.europa.eu⁠ [⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ecdc.europa.eu]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [bit.ly/ECDCSocialMedia].

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! [https://bit.ly/ECDCTraineeships]