Pertussis in Poland in 2012.

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 calendar.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland in 2012 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 2012" and bulletin "Immunizations in Poland in 2012 "(MP Czarkowski et al., Warsaw 2013, NIPH-NIH, GIS).

RESULTS: In 2012, number of registered cases of whooping cough was 4 684. The incidence was 12.2 per 100 000 children which was three times as many as in the previous year (4.3) The majority of cases was among adolescents aged 10-14 years and above 15 years of age (77%). Number of hospitalized persons was 1503, (32%) of reported cases. In 2012, there were no deaths from whooping cough.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: Observed in 2012, the epidemic increase in the incidence of pertussis in comparison with previous years, indicates the circulation of bacteria in the environment and the high sensitivity of the population to infection.