Pertussis in Poland in 2013.

Introduction: The epidemiological situation of pertussis in recent years has changed dramatically. There is a high percentage of cases of pertussis among adolescents and adults. Infected adults can be a source of infection for non-immune individuals such as infants. The best strategy to prevent illness remains the implementation of vaccination in accordance with the applicable schedule.

The Aim Of The Study: To assess the epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland in 2013 in comparison to previous years and evaluation of vaccine coverage of children.

Materials And Methods: Assessment of the epidemiology of pertussis in Poland was based on analysis of individual reports of suspected cases of pertussis sent to the NIPH-NIH by the Regional Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations, data from the bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2013" and bulletin "Immunizations in Poland in 2013" (MP Czarkowski et al. Warsaw 2014, NIPH-NIH, GIS).

Results: In 2013, number of registered cases of whooping cough was 2182. The incidence was 5.7 per 100 000 population, which was approximately two times lower in comparison with last year (12.2 cases per 100 000 population). The majority of cases was among adolescents above 15 years of age (92%). Number of hospitalized persons was 705 (32.3%), of reported cases. In 2013, there were no deaths from whooping cough.

Summary And Conclusions: Observed in 2013, the decrease in the incidence of pertussis in comparison with previous year, indicates periodicity in incidence, circulation of bacteria in the environment and remaining high sensitivity of the population to infection.