[Infectious diseases in Poland in 2009].

With introduction of the new law on infectious diseases has decreased the number of infectious diseases subject to mandatory reporting. At the same time ambiguities in the text of the Act and no regulation defining the scope and manner of filing could affect the reduction in the number of applications especially in cases of gastro-intestinal infections caused by viruses. In 2009, a new variant of influenza A(H1N1)v has occurred in Mexico. Infection with this virus spread over all the continents causing new pandemic. In 2009 was recorded 375.4% more cases of influenza-like illness than in the previous year. Influenza pandemic strain was not much severe than the virus causing seasonal flu, although there were cases of severe pneumonia in young adults who, prior to infection had no chronic diseases. Regarding many of infectious diseases reported downward trend of incidence persisted. The incidence of diseases for which vaccines were introduced to the program of immunization in recent years (H. influenzae infection, mumps) demonstrated a clear downward trend. A serious problem remains epidemiological incidence of tuberculosis, which in Poland is almost twice higher than the average for Western Europe. Despite the reduction in the incidence of hepatitis C (with a slight increase in the number of reported infections of hepatitis B), the problem of viral hepatitis due to the its chronic character and severe complications, remains one of the most serious health problems of our society. More than three-fold increase in the incidence of hepatitis A is a signal for the rapid detection and control of outbreaks of infection with this virus and to promote preventive measures in groups with increased risk of infection. This is particularly important due to the low level of natural immunity against hepatitis A in Poland. Despite the relatively good situation of the HIV, compared with many other countries in the European region, 10% increase in the incidence should lead to the enhancement of activities to promote safe sex and other preventive measures. Regarding intestinal infections and intoxications is observed decline in the incidence of salmonellosis, with an increase in the incidence of infections caused by Campylobacter. The observed increase in the number of reported cases of the latter disease may reflect the greater frequency of laboratory tests. Still, the incidence of infections caused by Campylobacter sp. in Poland remains strongly underestimated. Due to infectious and parasitic diseases mortality in 2009 was 8.2 per 100,000 population (from 3.8 in Podlaskie voivodeship to 12.1 in Lubuskie) and it was higher in cities (9.0) than in rural areas (6.8). As in previous years men mortality (10.0) was higher than women (6.4). Highest mortality from communicable diseases was noted among elderly people above 84 (58.4). Despite the relatively stable epidemiological situation of communicable diseases, after 1998 in Poland is observed a small upward trend in the mortality rate due to these diseases. The main reason of such increase is the growing number of septicaemia, which is indicated as the underlying cause of death.