INTRODUCTION: Results of the nationwide Pertussis Epidemiology Study implemented by Department of Epidemiology NIPH-NIH in 2009-2011 showed a high proportion of cases of whooping cough in adults whose only symptom of Bordetella pertussis infection was long lasting cough. It should be noted that the infected adults pose a risk of transmission of infection to susceptible contacts such as infants. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland in 2011, including vaccine coverage of children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Assessment of the epidemiology ofpertussis 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 2011" and bulletin "Immunizations in Poland in 2011 "(MP Czarkowski et al, Warsaw 2012, NIPH-NIH, GIS). RESULTS: In 2011, number of registered cases of whooping cough was 1 669. The incidence was 4.3 per 100,000 children up to 15. It was higher than in the previous year (3.3/100,000) by 25.5%. The highest incidence occurred in children aged 3 years (20.8/100 000), and in people in the age group 10-14 years (20.3/100,000). Number of hospitalized persons was 648, (38.8%)of reported cases. In 2011, there were no deaths from whooping cough. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: Higher the incidence of pertussis observed in 2011, compared with the previous year, may indicate improved sensitivity of the surveillance system.
INTRODUCTION: Results of the nationwide Pertussis Epidemiology Study implemented by Department of Epidemiology NIPH-NIH in 2009-2011 showed a high proportion of cases of whooping cough in adults whose only symptom of Bordetella pertussis infection was long lasting cough. It should be noted that the infected adults pose a risk of transmission of infection to susceptible contacts such as infants. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland in 2011, including vaccine coverage of children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Assessment of the epidemiology ofpertussis 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 2011" and bulletin "Immunizations in Poland in 2011 "(MP Czarkowski et al, Warsaw 2012, NIPH-NIH, GIS). RESULTS: In 2011, number of registered cases of whooping cough was 1 669. The incidence was 4.3 per 100,000 children up to 15. It was higher than in the previous year (3.3/100,000) by 25.5%. The highest incidence occurred in children aged 3 years (20.8/100 000), and in people in the age group 10-14 years (20.3/100,000). Number of hospitalized persons was 648, (38.8%)of reported cases. In 2011, there were no deaths from whooping cough. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: Higher the incidence of pertussis observed in 2011, compared with the previous year, may indicate improved sensitivity of the surveillance system.