Mumps in Poland in 2019.

Background: Mumps is a highly infectious viral disease, the source of infection is an infected person. In 2003, compulsory vaccination against mumps was introduced in Poland, carried out according to a two-dose schedule. The combined MMR vaccine (against measles, mumps and rubella) is used as part of the Protective Vaccination Program (PVP). Mumps vaccination has led to a significant reduction in the incidence of mumps in Poland.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the epidemiological indicators of mumps in Poland in 2019 compared to previous years.

Methods: The analysis of the epidemiological situation of mumps in Poland in 2019 was based on the interpretation of data from the bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2019" and "Vaccinations in Poland in 2019".

Results: In 2019, 1,338 mumps cases were registered in Poland. The total incidence was 3.5 per 100,000 inhabitants and was lower compared to 2018. The highest incidence 4.6 per 100,000 inhabitants were registered in the Opolskie Voivodeship and the lowest - 2.5 in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. The incidence was the highest among 6-year-olds and amounted to 32.3/100,000. Comparing the differences between the sexes, the incidence of men (4.1/100,000) was higher than that of women (2.9). In 2019, 22 patients were hospitalized due to mumps in Poland, which was less than in 2018 (28). The level of mumps vaccination in children at 3 years of age was lower by 0.3% compared to 2018 and amounted to 92.6% in Poland.

Conclusions: Maintaining a high percentage of children vaccinated against mumps will provide sustaining decline in cases of mumps in the coming years.