6.1. Introduction

This chapter gives an overview and outlines the patterns and trends for the most important communicable diseases in 2005 in the 25 EU countries and the three EEA/EFTA countries (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). The diseases are grouped under six major headings, each of which contains an epidemiological analysis, based on available data and indicators about the trends of the communicable diseases under EU-wide surveillance as well as the results and implications of the monitored health threats.

One of the main purposes of this chapter is to identify those diseases or disease-specific areas where further concerted action is needed in the EU to anticipate and counter rising trends.