Pertussis in Poland in 2016

INTRODUCTION: In Poland, the high incidence of pertussis has been maintained for 10 years ­ in 2016 it was 17,77 per 100,000 population and it was 38% more compared to the previous year. The high percentage of pertussis is still present in those who are older, who may be a source of infection for non-immunized or not fully immunized newborns and infants. The most effective prevention strategy remains the implementation of vaccinations in accordance with the current calendar. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the article is to assess the epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland in 2016 compared to the situation in previous years, with particular emphasis on the assessment of the status of inoculation of children against pertussis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analysis of the epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland was carried out on the basis of individual reports of suspected cases of pertussis sent to NIZP-PZH by regional sanitaryepidemiological stations, data from the bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland in 2016"(2) and the bulletin "Protective vaccinations in Poland in 2016"(3). RESULTS: In 2016, 6 828 cases of pertussis were registered. The incidence was 17.77 per 100,000 population and was 38% higher compared to the previous year (12.89). The highest incidence of pertussis occurred in people aged 10-14 (88.1), and high in children aged 0 and 3 years - 76.7 and 77.0 per 100,000 population. Of the 6 828 patients with pertussis, 1 640 people were hospitalized (24% of total). In 2016, no deaths were reported due to pertussis. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: The increase in pertussis observed in 2016 indicates the persistent circulation of bacteria in the environment and still persistent population sensitivity to infection. The only effective strategy to reduce the number of cases remains the use of vaccinations according to the current calendar and recommendations of experts.

Lyme disease in Poland in 2015

INTRODUCTION: Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in Poland. Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete can occur in the whole country, which, according to ECDC, should be considered as an endemic area. Borrelia strains are transmitted to humans and certain other animals by Ixodes (1). Human infection is caused by saliva or tick vomit. Reservoir spirochete are numerous species of animals, mainly rodents. Lyme disease, due to its multifocal character, rich symptomatology and diagnostic problems, is a serious challenge for clinicians and epidemiologists OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiological situation of Lyme disease in Poland in 2015 in comparison to the previous years MATERIALS AND METHODS: The descriptive analysis was based on data retrieved from routine mandatory surveillance system and published in the annual bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2015" (2) RESULTS: Despite observed in recent years the tendency to growth of number of cases, in 2015 was marked by growth inhibition incidence of Lyme disease.In 2015, 13 625 cases were registered in Poland, ie by 0.7% less than in the previous year. The overall incidence in the country was 35.4 per 100 000 population - the highest was recorded in the Podlaskie voivodeship - 96.3 per 100 000 inhabitants. In 2015, 1905 (14%) people were hospitalized due to Lyme disease SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: In 2015, for the first time in a few years, the growth rate of Lyme disease has been stopped. Registered 0.7% less cases than in the previous year. There is still a need for bringing awareness of the need for diagnostic laboratory testing according to recommendations, which will improve the accuracy of the diagnosis

Lyme disease in Poland in 2014

INTRODUCTION: Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease, caused by spirochetes of the Borrelia genus transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes genus. Infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi occur throughout Poland and therefore, according also to ECDC description, the whole country should be considered as an endemic area. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiological situation of Lyme disease in Poland in 2014 in comparison to the previous years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The descriptive analysis was based on data retrieved from routine mandatory surveillance system and published in the annual bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2014" (MP Czarkowski et al., Warsaw 2015, NIZP-PZH, GIS). RESULTS: The number of cases of Lyme disease in recent years is steadily increasing. In total, 13.870 cases of Lyme disease registered in Poland in 2014, i.e. 8% more cases than in the previous year. The overall incidence in the country was 36.0 per 100,000 population. The highest incidence rate was recorded in Podlaskie voivodeship ­ 106.8 per 100,000. In 2014, 2.236 people were hospitalized due to Lyme disease. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: In 2014, the growth rate of incidence decreased significantly. 8% more cases were registered compared with the previous year. There is still a need for bringing awareness of the need for diagnostic laboratory testing according to recommendations.

Lyme disease in Poland in 2012.

INTRODUCTION: In Poland registration of all cases of Lyme disease is conducted by the Epidemiological Unit of National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene. Most cases of Lyme disease occur in the North- East region of Poland; however, it is important to note that the disease is no longer solely a problem of this region of Poland. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work is to assess the epidemiological situation of Lyme disease in Poland in 2012 as compared to the situation in the previous years. MATERIALS ANDD METHODS: Assessment of the epidemiological situation of Lyme disease in Poland was made on the basis of an analysis of individual notifications of suspected Lyme disease submitted to NIZP-NIH by the Provincial Sanitary- Epidemiological Stations; as well as data from "Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland in 2012" bulletin, and "Vaccinations in Poland in 2012" bulletin (MP Czarkowski and Co, Warsaw 2013, NIPH-NIH, NCI). RESULTS: In 2012 there were 8 782 registered cases of Lyme disease and it is 4.3% higher than in the previous year. The overall incidence in the country amounted to 23.8 per 100 000 people. The highest incidence rate was recorded in Podlaskie province - 75.5 per 100 000 people. 2 063 people were hospitalized due to Lyme disease. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: In 2012 incidence rate of Lyme disease was gradually dropping down. The registered number of cases was reduced by 4.1% in comparison to the previous year. There is still a fairly low percentage of cases detected with diagnostic test called Western blot method.

Lyme disease in Poland in 2011.

INTRODUCTION: In Poland registration of all cases of Lyme disease is conducted by Epidemiological Unit of National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene. Most cases of Lyme disease occur in the North- East region of Poland; however it is important to note that the disease is no longer solely a problem of this region of Poland. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work is the assessment of the epidemiological situation of Lyme disease in Poland in 2011 as compared to the situation in the previous years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Assessment of the epidemiological situation of Lyme disease in Poland was made on the basis of an analysis of individual notifications of suspected Lyme disease submitted to NIZP-NIH by the Provincial Sanitary- Epidemiological stations; as well as data from "Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland in 2011" bulletin, and "Preventative vaccination in Poland in 2011" bulletin (MP Czarkowski and Co, Warsaw 2012, NIZP- PZH, GIS). RESULTS: In 2011 there were 9 157 registered cases of Lyme disease and it is 2% higher than in the previous year. The overall incidence in the country amounted 23.8 per 100,000 population. The highest recorded in Podlaskie province 75.5 per 100,000 population. 2091 people were hospitalized due to Lyme disease. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: In 2011 there was a tendency to slow down/inhibit the incidence of Lyme disease. The registered number of cases was comparable to the previous year. There is still fairly low percentage of confirmed cases by performing diagnostic test Western blot method.

[Lyme borreliosis in Poland in 2010]. / Borelioza z Lyme w Polsce w 2010 roku.

INTRODUCTION: Lyme borreliosis is an animal, affecting multiple systems infectious disease transmitted to humans by the ticks (vector) belonging to the genus Ixodes. The incidence of Lyme borreliosis is conterminous with the ticks habitat and covers the Northern Hemisphere. The Department of Epidemiology of National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene (NIPH-NIH) is liable for the registration of Lyme borreliosis since 1996. The highest incidence of Lyme borreliosis is observed in the north-east region, but it should be noted that the disease is not only restricted to the aforesaid area of Poland. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present article is to analyze the epidemiological situation of Lyme borreliosis in Poland in 2010 with its comparison to the situation observed in the previous years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The epidemiological situation of Lyme borreliosis in Poland was analyzed on the basis of case-based questionnaires for Lyme borreliosis sent to Epidemiology Department NIPH-NIH by the Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations and the data from the bulletin--"Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2010" (MP Czarkowski et al., Warsaw 2011, NIPH-NIH, Chief Sanitary Inspectorate). RESULTS: In 2010, 9005 Lyme borreliosis cases were registered in Poland, which constitutes a 13% decrease in the number of reported cases and incidence (23.6 per 100 000 population) in the comparison with the previous year. The highest incidence, accounting for 76.0 per 100 000 population, was reported in podlaskie voivodeship. 2318 persons were hospitalized due to Lyme borreliosis. CONCLUSIONS: In 2010, for the first time in eight years, an increased tendency of the number of registered Lyme borreliosis cases was not observed. An approximately 13% decline in the number of notified cases was reported in comparison with the previous year. There is still a low number of Western blot tests performed to confirm the disease.

[Lyme borreliosis in Poland in 2009]. / Borelioza z lyme w Polsce w 2009 roku.

In 2009, 10 329 cases of Lyme borreliosis were reported in Poland, more about 20% than in the last year and more about 25% higher incidence--27.1 per 100 000, and above two times more than the median incidence in 2003-2007. The highest incidence 114.0 per 100 000 was registered in podlaski voivodeship. Of total Lyme borreliosis cases 2 504 were hospitalized.

[Meningitis and encephalitis in Poland in 2007]. / Zapalenia opon mózgowo-rdzeniowych i zapalenia mózgu w Polsce w 2007 roku.

In Poland, 3,361 cases of neuroinfections were reported in 2007, of which 1,078 had bacterial etiology, 1,717--viral aetiology, and 566--other or unknown origin. The etiological agent was determined in 611 (57%) cases of bacterial neuroinfections. Among them N. meningitidis was found in 224 cases, H. influenzae type B (Hib) in 35 cases and S. pneumoniae in 161 cases. An increasing trend in meningococcal infections incidence has been observed in 2007, and a substantial decrease ofHib incidence, related to increasing vaccination coverage. Viral neuroinfections incidence in 2007 increased compared to year 2006. Among confirmed cases, there were 233 cases oftick-borne encephalitis. Most of the cases were reported from endemic areas of north-eastern part of the country.

[Meningitis and encephalitis in Poland in 2006]. / Zapalenia opon mózgowo-rdzeniowych i zapalenia mózgu w 2006 roku.

In Poland, 3 693 cases of neuroinfections were reported in 2006, of which 989 had bacterial aetiology, 1 874--viral aetiology, and 512--other or unknown origin. The etiological agent was determined in 455 (46%) cases of bacterial neuroinfections. Among them Neisseria meningitidis was found in 148 cases, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) in 39 cases and Streptococcus pneumoniae in 119 cases. An increasing trend in meningococcal infections incidence has been observed in 2006, and a substantial decrease of Hib incidence, related to increasing vaccination coverage. Viral neuroinfections incidence in 2006 increased compared to year 2005. Etiological factors of central nervous system aseptic infections were established only in minor proportion of cases--3% of meningitis and 20% of encephalitis. Among confirmed cases, there were 317 cases of tick-borne encephalitis and 31 cases of herpetic encephalitis. Tick borne encephalitis incidence increased in 2006 (0.83), compared to 2004 - 2005. Most of the cases were reported from endemic areas of north-eastern part of the country.