Rubella in Poland in 2011.

INTRODUCTION

Since 2004 rubella is covered by the Program for the Elimination of Rubella of the World Health Organization (WHO). The aim of the Program is to interrupt transmission of rubella virus in the environment and prevention of congenital rubella cases in children. In Poland, the vaccination against rubella to 2003 were limited to women, which in turn resulted in an increase in the incidence of rubella among men, and hence a possibility of infection in susceptible pregnant women.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To assess the epidemiological situation of rubella in Poland in 2011, taking into account the vaccination coverage against rubella in the general population and in selected birth cohorts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Evaluation of rubella epidemiological situation in Poland was based on data from the newsletters: "Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland in 2011" and, "Vaccinations in Poland in 2011" (MP. Czarkowski, Warsaw 2012, NIPH-NIH, GIS). Classification of rubella cases was based on the definition of infectious diseases prepared by ECDC.

RESULTS

In 2011, there was a slight increase in the incidence of rubella, compared to 2010 (from 11.0/100,000 to 11.1/100,000). Total of 4 290 cases were registered. The highest incidence, regardless of gender and the environment, has been among children 5 years old (94.1/100,000.) and 6-year-old (93.4/100,000). As in 2010, the incidence of rubella in girls and women was lower than the incidence in boys and men (9.6/100,000 versus 12.8/100,000.). In 2011 there were no recorded cases of congenital rubella.

CONCLUSIONS

Still small proportion of reported rubella cases are laboratory confirmed. In 2011 it amounted to 0.2% of cases. This situation requires prompt improvement.