[Mumps in Poland in 2002].

In 2002, 39,978 cases of mumps were reported in Poland. The incidence (104.6 per 100,000) was higher then in 2001 (43.3), which corresponds to a periodical increase of mumps incidence occurring in Poland every 3-4 years. This year's peak is much lower than the previous ones, which can be attributed to the growing vaccine coverage. Even though the mumps vaccine was not included into the national immunization program, the coverage in the 3-year old children reached in 2002 35.5%. Approximately 3.5% of cases were hospitalized (1400) and no mumps deaths were reported. Children 5-9 years old constituted the most affected age group (incidence 965.2 per 100,000). In Poland the MMR vaccine was recommended on voluntary basis in place of measles vaccine for children in their 2nd and 7th year of age. Immunization of 2-years old children is mandatory beginning in 2004.