On 26 April 2006, the veterinary authorities in the United Kingdom reported that there had been an outbreak of avian influenza type A/H7 among a 35 000-bird housed poultry flock in eastern England, United Kingdom.

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Prior to 2006, diagnoses of heterosexually acquired syphilis were rare in Teesside (an area in the north east of England, UK). Since 2006, there has been an increase in such cases, with 24 cases diagnosed in 2006 and 22 in 2007. There was a marked reduction in cases in 2008 with six cases reported, but a large increase in diagnoses in 2009 (34 cases). There have been 14 cases to date in 2010. Of concern is the increase noted in women and younger age groups. Geographical mapping of cases shows a wide dispersion across Teesside although some clusters were identified, mostly in areas of high deprivation. Little detailed information is available to help identify social and sexual networks widely and target intervention. A multiagency outbreak control team is addressing this problem, based on the principles of partner notification, increased awareness, increased screening and health promotion activities. A range of measures, including a detailed communications plan, have been implemented.

Incorporating highly discriminatory genotyping data into spatiotemporal analysis of TB incidence is feasible as part of routine surveillance and can provide valuable information on groups at greater risk and areas with localised transmission of TB, which could be used to inform control measures, such as intensified contact tracing.

An outbreak of C.perfringens occurred in a care home. The likely cause was consumption of mince & vegetable pie and/or gravy. Epidemiological evidence can be used to help prosecute businesses with food safety offences in such circumstances.

A cluster of four confirmed cases of meningococcal disease was seen in the same nuclear family across a 15-week period. The cases were three siblings and a parent and all recovered well. The first case was confirmed by meningococcal PCR only but the subsequent three cases were due to indistinguishable strains of serogroup B (B:NT:P1.19-1,15-11). Contact tracing was initially undertaken and reviewed in detail after each subsequent case. Antibiotic prophylaxis was administered to close family contacts on three separate occasions, including switching of antibiotic agents, with good compliance. Subsequent investigation of the family has not revealed any obvious immunological problem and no further significant infections have been recognised. A cluster of meningococcal disease of this nature and timescale is highly unusual. Details of the cluster, investigation and implications for health protection practice are discussed.

We performed a prospective analysis of Breslow thickness in melanoma before the COVID‐19 pandemic and after. It shows that there is a statistically significant increase in melanoma thickness, and ultimately melanoma staging, since the pandemic began.

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