The Annex to Decision No 1082/2013/EU sets out the criteria for selecting the communicable diseases and related special health issues to be covered by epidemiological surveillance within the network.

The list of diseases and related special health issues established by Decision 2000/96/EC should be updated to reflect changes in disease incidence and prevalence, the needs of the European Union and its Member States, as well as to ensure compliance with the criteria provided in the Annex to Decision No 1082/2013/EU.

The list of case definitions should be updated in the light of new scientific information and evolving laboratory diagnostic criteria and practices.

Both the list of diseases and the list of case definitions are brought into line with the World Health Organisation nomenclature according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10).

• Chikungunya: In view of autochthonous outbreaks of chikungunya virus infections in Italy (2007) and France (2010 and 2014), the widespread presence of competent vectors (Aedes albopictus) in the Mediterranean basin, and the return of travellers from endemic areas, systematic surveillance is necessary to prevent the spread of chikungunya virus in the Union,

• Dengue: The large dengue outbreak in Madeira in 2012 and the presence of competent vectors (Aedes mosquitos), in particular in Mediterranean Member States, highlight the need for additional surveillance to help prevent the spread of the dengue virus in the Union,

• Zika: The infection of pregnant women with the Zika virus can lead to the birth of children with severe neurological defects. Early detection and surveillance of people returning from affected areas are crucial. Surveillance data is needed to inform public health measures to prevent the introduction and spread of the Zika virus to the Union,

• Lyme neuroborreliosis: The transmission of Lyme neuroborreliosis, a complication of Lyme disease which is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, is a concern for the Union. Systematic surveillance is needed to monitor its epidemiology in order to support measures to prevent and control the disease and its complications.

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee on serious cross-border threats to health established under Article 18 of Decision No 1082/2013/EU.

Accordingly, Decisions 2000/96/EC and 2002/253/EC should be replaced by this Decision,