MCAST COVID-19

Information Page

The health and safety of our community is our top priority. We know that many people are understandably concerned about the current pandemic situation. MCAST is taking increased health and safety measures to address these concerns while ensuring that learning can continue. As the situation continues to develop, please stay updated by visiting mcast.edu.mt/covid19 for the latest information. You can also visit the circulars section for all the official messages sent to staff and students.

 

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  • Communicable disease threats report, 27 September - 3 October 2025, week 40
    by ECDC on October 3, 2025 at 2:19 pm

    This issue of the ECDC Communicable Disease Threats Report (CDTR) covers the period 26 September - 3 October 2025 and includes updates on respiratory viruses, SARS-CoV-2, Mpox, rabies, West Nile virus infection, dengue, chikungunya, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever and Ebola.

  • Reporting Protocol for integrated respiratory virus surveillance
    by ECDC on September 24, 2025 at 9:32 am

    This Reporting Protocol describes data collection for influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses (such as RSV or new viruses of public health concern) in the EU/EEA and wider WHO European Region. Data collection is integrated for most datasets in line with the operational considerations for respiratory virus surveillance in Europe.

  • Reporting protocol for zoonotic influenza virus
    by ECDC on September 24, 2025 at 7:06 am

    This reporting protocol describes data collection for human cases of zoonotic influenza viruses, with the aim to support assessment of key indicators and trends over time and inform situational risk assessments.

  • The European Respiratory Virus Surveillance Summary (ERVISS)
    by ECDC on September 19, 2025 at 12:09 pm

    This interactive dashboard provides a weekly integrated epidemiological summary for influenza, RSV and SARS-CoV-2.

  • Communicable disease threats report, 30 August - 5 September 2025, week 36
    by ECDC on September 5, 2025 at 2:41 pm

    This issue of the ECDC Communicable Disease Threats Report (CDTR) covers the period 30 August - 5 September 2025 and includes updates on Salmonella Strathcona, West Nile virus infection, dengue, chikungunya, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Ebola, MERS-CoV and respiratory viruses.

News (English) - World Health Organization Corporate news releases, statements, and notes for media issued by the World Health Organization.

  • Recommendations announced for influenza vaccine composition for the 2026 southern hemisphere influenza season
    on September 26, 2025 at 8:38 am

    The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced its recommendations for the viral composition of influenza vaccines for use in the 2026 influenza season in the southern hemisphere. The announcement was made at an Information Meeting after a 4-day Consultation on the Composition of Influenza Virus Vaccines.

  • Member States advance vital work in support of WHO Pandemic Agreement
    on September 25, 2025 at 9:44 pm

    WHO Member States are actively progressing with the development of the Pathogens Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system, a key component of the WHO Pandemic Agreement aimed at ensuring equitable and timely sharing of pathogen materials and related benefits. This work follows the historic adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement and amendments to the International Health Regulations, marking significant steps toward global pandemic preparedness.

  • World leaders show strong support for political declaration on noncommunicable diseases and mental health
    on September 25, 2025 at 8:41 pm

    World leaders have expressed overwhelming support for the text of the first United Nations global political declaration on responding to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health in an integrated manner. The declaration, negotiated during a five-month intergovernmental process, will be considered at the 80th session of the General Assembly for final approval in October 2025.

  • WHO statement on autism-related issues
    on September 24, 2025 at 6:10 am

    The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between autism and use of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) during pregnancy. Globally, nearly 62 million people (1 in 127) have autism spectrum disorder, a diverse group of conditions related to development of the brain. Although awareness and diagnosis have improved in recent years, the exact causes of autism have not been established, and it is understood there are multiple factors that can be involved.  Extensive research has been undertaken over the past decade, including large-scale studies, looking into links between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. At this time, no consistent association has been established. WHO recommends that all women continue to follow advice of their doctors or health workers, who can help assess individual circumstances and recommend necessary medicines. Any medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, and in line with advice from health professionals. Also, a robust, extensive evidence base exists showing childhood vaccines do not cause autism. Large, high-quality  studies from many countries have all reached the same conclusion. Original studies suggesting a link were flawed and have been discredited. Since 1999, independent experts advising WHO have repeatedly confirmed that vaccines—including those with thiomersal or aluminum—do not cause autism or other developmental disorders.   Childhood vaccine schedules are developed through a careful, extensive and evidence-based process involving global experts and country input. The childhood immunization schedule, carefully guided by WHO, has been adopted by all countries, and has saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years. The schedule remains essential for the health and wellbeing of every child and every community. These schedules have continually evolved with science and now safeguard children, adolescents and adults against 30 infectious diseases.  Every vaccine recommendation by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE), an independent advisory group to WHO, is grounded in rigorous review of evidence and carefully designed to offer the best protection against serious diseases and to be delivered when most needed.   When immunization schedules are delayed or disrupted, or altered without evidence review, there is a sharp increase in the risk of infection not only for the child, but also for the wider community. Infants too young to be vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions are at greatest risk.  Autism and neurodevelopmental disorders are among priority mental health and neurological conditions being discussed at the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and mental health this Thursday, 25 September.  As a global community, we need to do more to understand the causes of autism and how best to care for and support the needs of autistic people and their families.   WHO is committed to advancing this goal working together with partners including autistic-led organizations and other organizations representing persons with lived experience. WHO also stands with people who are living with autism and their families, a dignified community entitled to evidence-based considerations free of stigma.

  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure puts over a billion people at risk
    on September 23, 2025 at 12:00 pm

    The World Health Organization (WHO) today released its second Global hypertension report, showing that 1.4 billion people lived with hypertension in 2024, yet just over one in five have it under control either through medication or addressing modifiable health risks.