Yersiniosis in Poland in 2017

AIM: The aim of the study is to assess epidemiological situation of yersiniosis in Poland in 2017 in comparison to previous years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The evaluation is based on analysis of data from the annual bulletins "Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland", information from individual yersiniosis case reports entered and shared by local sanitary-epidemiological stations through Electronic Registry of Epidemiologic Forms (SRWE), information from individual extraintestinal case reports fulfilled by local sanitary-epidemiological station and sent to the Departments of Epidemiology, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene by regional sanitary-epidemiological stations, information on outbreaks shared through the Electronic Registry of Epidemic Outbreaks (ROE) and data on deaths from the Department of Demographic Studies of the Central Statistical Office. RESULTS: In 2017 255 cases of yersiniosis, including 191 intestinal and 64 extraintestinal were registered. Incidence in 2017 was 0.66/100 000 population. Number of cases registered in 2017 was higher than in 2015 and 2016 (for both years 205 cases with incidence 0.53/100 000 was observed) and similar to the one in 2014 (244 cases, incidence 0.63/100 000). In 2017 all intestinal yersiniosis cases met criteria for confirmed case. Around 35% of cases were registered in mazowieckie voivodship where incidence was similar to the one in European Union. Among Y. enterocolitica isolates, serotype was determined in 62 cases what stands for only 28.7% of all cases. Predominant serotype was 03, it was identified in 81% of serotyped cases. Most of intestinal yersiniosis cases occurred among children under 4 years (54.5% of all registered cases). CONCLUSIONS: In 2017 increase in number of cases was observed. Yersiniosis in Poland is rarely diagnosed, incidence in Poland is more than twice time lower than in European Union.

Campylobacteriosis in Poland in 2017

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the epidemiological situation of campylobacteriosis in Poland in 2017 in comparison to previous years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The evaluation is based on analysis of data from the annual bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland", information from individual campylobacter case reports sent by local sanitary-epidemiological stations through the Electronic Registry of Epidemiological Forms (System Rejestracji Wywiadów Epidemiologicznych - SRWE), information on outbreaks shared through the Electronic Registry of Epidemic Outbreaks (Rejestr Ognisk Epidemicznych - ROE) and data on deaths from the Department of Demographic Studies of the Central Statistical Office. RESULTS: There were 874 registered cases in Poland in 2017, all of them were confirmed cases. Incidence for Poland was 2.27/100 000 population. The highest incidence was observed in lubuskie voivodeship (7.57/100 000), malopolskie (4.64/100 000), slaskie (4.31/100 000) and warminsko-mazurskie (3.48/100 000). In 2017 increasing trend of proportion of hospitalization was identified again. The rate was on 80% level. Campylobacter species was identified in 89% of all reported cases. Similarly to previous years, vast majority of cases was caused by Campylobacter jejuni - 91%. Among all reported cases, majority of them (72%, 629 cases) was identified in children aged 0-4. In 2017 one campylobacteriosis outbreak was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Campylobacteriosis in Poland is still underreported and rarely diagnosed. Routine Campylobacter diagnosis is performed only by laboratories in small number of poviats which make it way harder to properly assess the campylobacteriosis epidemiological situation in Poland.

Hepatitis A in Poland in 2017 - epidemic increase cases

AIM: The aim of this article is to describe and assess changes in epidemiological situation of Hepatitis A in Poland in 2017. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The assessment was based on the information from the individual case questionnaires, aggregated data from the bulletins "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2017" and reports from epidemiological investigations in outbreaks of hepatitis A, submitted by the sanitary-epidemiological stations to the Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance in NIPH-NIH. RESULTS: In 2017 a large increase of HAV cases and hepatitis A incidence was observed in Poland (3006 cases, incidence 7.8 per 100 000) in comparison to 2016 (35; 0.09). Majority of the cases were registered in large cities, where incidence was 3 times higher than in rural areas. Among reported there were 501 cases (16.6% of all cases) selfdeclaring as man who have sex with man (MSM). In course of the year an increasing trend in the number of cases was observed until September and the increase of male to female ratio (m/f) until May. Moreover 251 HAV outbreaks were reported, number of which increased until October and with the increase of m/f ratio in these outbreaks until April. From July to October there was an increase in the number of small outbreaks with m/f ratio equal 1. There were 178 imported cases reported, most of them from European countries- especially Germany and Spain. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: In 2017 over 80-fold increase of HAV cases and hepatitis A incidence was observed in comparison to previous years. Available epidemiological data indicate that ongoing HAV outbreak among MSM in Europe reached also Poland, and data from the second part of the year suggest infection spreading in non-MSM part of the population. It is therefore highly indicated that the list of risk groups for which vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended should also be expanded for MSM. To avoid such increase in the number of cases in future it is recommended to introduce vaccinations in risk groups as soon as large international outbreak occurs.

Yersiniosis in Poland in 2015 and 2016

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the epidemiological situation of yersiniosis in Poland in 2015 and 2016 in comparison to the previous years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The evaluation is based on analysis of data from the annual bulletins "Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland" (4,5), information from individual yersiniosis case reports sent to the Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance, NIPH-NIH by regional sanitaryepidemiological stations, information on outbreaks delivered by local sanitary-epidemiological stations through the system "Rejestr Ognisk Epidemicznych" (Electronic Registry of Epidemic Outbreaks) and data on deaths from the Department of Demographic Studies of the Central Statistical Office. RESULTS: The number of registered yersiniosis cases in Poland in 2015 and 2016 was the same ­ 205 cases, corresponding to annual incidence of 0.53/100 000. Among them in 2015 there were 172 intestinal yersiniosis cases and 33 extraintestinal yersiniosis cases and in 2016 ­ 167 intestinal yersiniosis cases and 38 extraintestinal yersiniosis cases. In 2015 and 2016 all intestinal yersiniosis cases met the criteria for confirmed case. In turn, among extraintestinal yersiniosis cases in 2015 26 cases met criteria for probable case and 7 for confirmed case and in 2016 ­ 32 for probable and 6 for confirmed case. Both in 2015 and in 2016 the incidence in mazowieckie voivodeship (1.61/100 000 in 2015 and 1.55/100 000 in 2016) largely exceeded the average incidence in Poland. The overall proportion of hospitalizations, 59.5% in 2015 and 58% in 2016, remained at the level similar to the preceding years. Serotype of the isolated Yersinia enterocolitica in 2015 in Poland was determined in 59 cases (32% of all Y. enterocolitica isolates). In 2016 serotype was determined in 47 cases of Y. enterocolitica infections (27% of all Y. enterocolitica isolates). Predominant serotype was O3. As in the previous years about 1/3 of infections occurred among children aged 0-4 (110 cases, 34.9% in 2015 and 92 cases, 30.9% in 2016). In 2015 there were no yersiniosis outbreaks, in 2016 there was one outbreak caused by Y. enterolitica. CONCLUSION: Yersiniosis in Poland is rarely diagnosed and is likely underreported. The percentage of serotyped isolates continues to be low.

Campylobacteriosis in Poland in 2015 and 2016

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the epidemiological situation of campylobacteriosis in Poland in 2015 and 2016 in comparison to the previous years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The evaluation is based on analysis of data from the annual bulletins "Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland", information from individual campylobacter case reports sent to the Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance, NIPH-NIH by regional sanitary-epidemiological stations, information on outbreaks sent by local sanitary-epidemiological stations through the system ROE (Electronic Registry of Epidemic Outbreaks) and data on deaths from the Department of Demographic Studies of the Central Statistical Office. RESULTS: In Poland in 2015 653 cases of campylobacteriosis were registered, in 2016 ­ 787 cases. In comparison to 2014: the number of cases in 2015 number of cases remained at he similar level, in 2016 there was 20% increase in the number of cases. The incidence was 1.7/100 000 population in 2015 and 2.05/100 000 in 2016. All cases registered in 2015 were confirmed cases, among those occurred in 2016 there were 773 confirmed cases and 14 probable cases. In both, 2015 and 2016 incidence significantly higher than the average for Poland was in 3 voivodeships: Lubuskie (5.39/100 000 in 2015 and 5.9/100 000 in 2016), Warminsko-Mazurskie (4.78 and 4.03) and Slaskie (4.43 and 4.47). The overall proportion of hospitalizations was higher than in previous years ­ 75.5% in 2015 and 77.1% in 2016. In both 2015 and 2016 Campylobacter species was determined in more than 80% of cases, among them above 90% of infections were caused by C. jejuni. As in previous years most cases occurred among children aged from 0 to 4. In 2015 there were 4 outbreaks of campylobacteriosis, in 2016 ­ 5 outbreaks. CONCLUSIONS: In Poland there is continuous increase in number of registered campylobacteriosis cases but diagnosis and reporting is overall rare. Routine Campylobacter diagnosis is performed only in some poviats what makes assessment of epidemiological situation in a country not possible to conduct.

Rabies in Poland in 2013 and 2014

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the epidemiological situation of rabies in Poland in 2013 and 2014 in comparison to the previous years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The evaluation was based on analysis of the data from individual report sent by the Epidemiological-Sanitary Stations. The data are from questionnaires of persons who were administered vaccine against rabies following exposure in Poland and beyond its territory, data from annual bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2012-2014"(Czarkowski MP et al., Warsaw, NIH and CSI) and epizootic data provided by the General Veterinary Inspectorate. RESULTS: Number of animal rabies cases reported in Poland in 2013 and in 2014 was 204 and 105, respectively. This was 30% and 60% less compared to 2012. In 2013 more than 59% of animal rabies cases occurred in Podkarpackie veivodeship and more than 28% in Malopolskie. In 2014 more than 77% of rabid animals were found in the Malopolskie veivodeship, but Podkarpackie accounted for less than 9%. Rabies in terrestrial animals in 2013-2014 was also found in Lubelskie, Podlaskie and Swietokrzyskie veivodeships. In other regions of the country there were reported only single cases of rabies in bats. In 2013, a total of 7 317 people were vaccinated against rabies in 2013 and 7 679 in 2014 including 295 (4%) and 145 (1.9%) persons vaccinated due to exposure to the animals with confirmed rabies, respectively. Among those vaccinated after contact with rabid animal 26% and 29% were vaccinated after contact with a fox in 2013 and 2014, respectively and 64% and 57% as a result of exposure to the domestic animals with confirmed rabies. As with the previous years, people were vaccinated mostly due to exposure to dogs and cats, in which rabies could not be excluded - 5 725 people in 2013 (88%) and 6 057 (87%) in 2014. CONCLUSIONS: After the increase in the number of animal rabies cases that occurred in 2012, in the next two years there has been a gradual decline in its number. In 2014 the number of animal rabies cases was lower than in the 2011 and in the 2010. Epizootic situation in the country has inadequate impact on the number of people vaccinated against rabies who had contact with an animal which potentially is a source of rabies virus. This number for many years is consistently stable, amounting to 7 000 vaccinated individuals per year.

Campylobacteriosis in Poland in 2013 and 2014

THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Evaluation of the epidemiological situation of campylobacteriosis in Poland in 2013 and 2014 in comparison with the situation in the previous years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The evaluation of the epidemiological situation was carried out on the basis of the analysis of the data contained in the annual bulletins "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland" for the years 2012- 2014, extended by the information from the individual questionnaires of diseases and forms of the epidemiological investigations of outbreaks of campylobacteriosis, sent by the sanitary-epidemiological stations to the Department of Epidemiology and also on data from the Department of Demographic Studies of the Central Statistical Office. RESULTS: In 2013 in Poland it was registered 552 cases of campylobacteriosis, while in 2014 the number of registered cases was 652. It is respectively by almost 30% and 50% more than in 2012. The overall incidence for 2013 was 1.43 and for 2014 it was 1.69 per 100 000. In 2013 all reported cases were classified as confirmed, whereas in 2014 ­ number of confirmed cases was 650, and two as probable. Both in 2013 and in 2014 incidence much higher than the total for the in three provinces: Slaskie (respectively 3.89 and 4.7/ 100 000), Warminsko- Mazurskie (4.42 and 3.53/ 100 000) and Lubuskie (3.03 and 4.51/100000) incidence was both in 2013 and 2014 Markedly higher then for the country as a whole. The percentage of hospitalization was higher than in previous years and amounted in 2013 to 71.4% and in 2014 to 74.4%. In 2013 Campylobacter species was identified in more than 83% of patients and in almost 87% in 2014. In 2013 over 77% and in 2014 as much as 82% of cases were caused by C. jejuni, and correspondingly more than 6% and almos 5% by C.coli. As in previous years, the majority of cases, in 2013 - 435 (79%) and in 2014 - 491 (75%) occurred in the age group 0-4. In 2013 therte were recorded two, and 2014 - 7 outbreaks caused by Campylobacter jejuni. CONCLUSIONS: In Poland, despite the gradual improvement in sencitivity of surveillance, campylobacteriosis it is still a disease very rarely diagnosed and reported. Diagnosis of infection with Campylobacter sp. perform laboratories in limited number of counties, which is not sufficient for proper evaluation of the epidemiological situation of the disease in Poland as a whole.

Occurrence and maintenance of hantavirus infections among rodent populations in their natural habitat--results of a field study from Podkarpackie province, Poland 2010-2012.

UNLABELLED: Human cases of hantavirus infection have been reported annually in Poland's Podkarpackie province, since 2007. In 2014 the number of cases reported significantly increased prompting a rise in studies focusing on the infection. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, maintenance and the dynamics of hantavirus infection among rodent species, including the bank vole (Myodes glareolus) and yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) which act as reservoirs of hantavirus in the environment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rodent capture was carried out on seven research grids in the Podkarpackie province, from summer 2010 to spring 2012. They were caught in live-capture traps used in accordance with the protocol CMR (Catch-Mark-Release). The population was estimated as MNA (Minimum Number Alive). Blood samples were collected for serological testing on live animals by puncture of saphenous vein. In order to determine the hantavirus infection we used ReaScan Ab-Dect Puumala IgG--Reagena® for bank voles, and for mice ELISA--Mouse Hanta Virus Test ELISA Kit (Version with Control Antigen Wells)--BioCat GmbH®. The relationship between age, gender, seasons, population size and prevalence of hantavirus infection was tested by Pearson's chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test and by calculating the Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: A total of 854 rodents were captured: 222 bank voles, 592 yellow-necked mice, 4 common voles and 36 striped field mice. Of these, 564 were tested. The presence of specific anti-hantavirus was found in 9.7% of bank voles and 9.5% of yellow-necked mice. There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of infection between the groups of male and female yellow-necked mice as well as in the groups of adult group in both species. The dynamics of spread of hantavirus infection was clearly evident in the studied area of Sanok. The correlation coefficient between the number of individuals caught and the prevalence of hantavirus infection in yellow-necked mice was -0,87 but for the bank vole it was 0,76. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate that hantavirus infection among yellow-necked mice and bank voles are unevenly distributed in certain hot spots, vary over time, and are most in the spring season. In addition, differences observed in the dynamics of infection depended on the species of animal hosts. It would be advisable to conduct long-term study, which would allow for a risk assessment of the possibility of turning the spot located outbreaks into endemic area of hantavirus occurrence.

Occurrence and prevalence of selected zoonotic agents: Echinococcus multilocularis, Trichinella spiralis and hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the population of Polish hunters--results of the study conducted in 2010-2012.

UNLABELLED: In Poland the development of the knowledge concerning zoonotic pathogens, of which free-living animals are the reservoir of is gaining in importance both in epidemiological aspect as well as in the context of prevention for improving public health. Dietary habits such as the consumption of forest undergrowth products and wild game meat, and the way of those products being prepared (in the process of barbequing) pose a risk factors of infection with the foodborne pathogens such as Echinococcus multilocularis, Trichinella spp., and HEV. AIM: The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of infections caused by Trichinella spp., Echinococcus multilocularis, and HEV in the population of Polish hunters, describing their geographical distribution in Poland, and to try to define basic factors, which may contribute to their occurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2010-2012 a cross-sectional study was carried out among Polish hunters. A blood samples were collected as well as a survey of 1027 participants recruited in the 16 provinces was also carried out. Serological tests were performed for the presence of specific antibodies against Echinococcus multilocularis, Trichinella spp. and HEV using commercial or "in home" ELISA tests. In case of positive result for Echinococcus, an Em2plus ELISA or/and western blot test were carried out, and for positive results for IgM for HEV a recomLine HEV IgM test was carried out. RESULTS: In the studied population a total number of 2 cases of Echinococcus multilocularis infection were found. Moreover in 47 (4,6%) participants presence of antibodies against Trichinella spp. were found, including 17 positive and 30 borderline results. In 206 persons (25%) IgG anti-HEV antibodies were found (by ELISA test). Geographical diversity in prevalence of both, the Trichinella spp. and HEV cases was observed. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed presence of zoonotic infections such as Echinococcus multilocularis, Trichinella spp., and hepatitis E (HEV) among Polish hunters. In the case of Echinococcus multilocularis, and Trichinella spp., it appears that these infections are more common in the studied sample than in the general population. Additionally results on the prevalence of HEV infections indicate a need for further research on the occurrence of the virus in the country.

Rabies in Poland in 2012.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the epidemiological situation of rabies in Poland in 2012. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Evaluation was based on the analysis of data from questionnaires sent by the Epidemiological-Sanitary Stations. The data are from questionnaires of persons who were administered vaccine against rabies following exposure in Poland and beyond its territory and data from annual bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2012"(Czarkowski MP et al., Warsaw, NIH and CSI) and epizootic data provided by the General Veterinary Inspectorate. RESULTS: In 2012, a total of 257 animal rabies cases were registered in Poland, i.e. nearly 60% more compared to 2011. More than 83% of these cases were reported in Podkarpackie province. Compared to 2011, more than 3.5 increase was noted there. One rabid dog was reported in Slaskie province where one rabies infection in fox was noted there a year ago. Rabies infections in terrestrial animals were also reported in the following provinces: Malopolskie, Lubelskie, Warminsko-mazurskie and Podlaskie. Single rabies infections in bats were registered in other regions of Poland. In 2012, a total of 7,753 persons were vaccinated against rabies, including 315, i.e. more than 4% due to the exposure to animals infected with rabies virus. Of persons vaccinated due to contact with a rabid animal, nearly 40% and more than 44% were vaccinated following contact with rabid fox and domestic animal, respectively. As with the previous years, humans were vaccinated mostly due to contact with dogs and cats in which rabies could not be excluded - 5,974 persons (77%). CONCLUSIONS: A reason for concern is an increase in the number of animal rabies cases reported in 2012, especially in Podkarpackie province. Epizootic situation in Poland affects slightly the number of persons vaccinated against rabies who had contact with an animal which potentially is a source of rabies virus. Since many years, this number remains stable, amounting to 7-8,000 annually.

Campylobacteriosis in Poland in 2012.

AIM: The aim of this paper is to evaluate epidemiological situation of campylobacteriosis in Poland in 2012, compared to the situation in previous years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The evaluation was based on analysis of data from the annual bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland" 2011-2012 (MP Czarkowski et al., NIZP-PZH and Chief Sanitary Inspectorate-GIS), information from the forms of individual cases reports from the epidemiological investigations in outbreaks of campylobacteriosis, submitted by the sanitary-epidemiological stations to the Department of Epidemiology and data from the Department of Demographic Studies of the Central Statistical Office. Cases were classified according to a surveillance case definition. RESULTS: In 2012, 431 cases of campylobacteriosis were registered in Poland, which was 30% more than in 2011. The incidence was 1.12/100 000. All reported cases were classified. No deaths were recorded. More than 84% of cases of campylobacteriosis occurred in four provinces - Warminsko-Mazurskie (35%), Slaskie (22%), Mazowieckie (14%) and the Malopolskie (14%). The highest incidence was observed in the Warminsko-Mazurskie- 6.47/100 000. As in previous years, the percentage of hospitalized cases was 57.5%. Campylobacter species was identified in more than 77% of patients, and it was found that 70% of the cases were caused by C. jejuni and about 7% by C. coli. As in previous years, the majority of cases (343, 79%) occurred in the age group 0-4. Five family outbreaks caused by Campylobacter were recorded in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: In Poland Campylobacteriosis is rarely diagnosed, confirmed and reported. Routine diagnosis of infection with Campylobacter sp. is performed only in the two provinces.

Rabies in Poland in 2011.

AIM: To assess epidemiological situation of rabies in Poland in 2011. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The assessment was based on the results of the data analysis from questionnaires (People vaccinated against rabies post-exposure surveys in Poland and people vaccinated against rabies after exposure in other countries) submitted by the Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations and data from the annual newsletter "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2011" (Czarkowski MP et al., Warsaw, NIZP-PZH and GIS) and epizootic data provided by the General Veterinary Inspectorate. RESULTS: In 2011, in Poland, 160 cases of rabies (in 2010 - 152 cases) were reported. Animal cases occurred primarily in the Malopolska province, where an increase in animal rabies cases has been observed since September 2010 and in Podkarpackie province. A single case of fox rabies was reported in Silesia, where there was no disease for many years. Rabies among terrestrial animals also occurred in the provinces ofLubelskie, Warminsko-Mazurskie and Podlaskie. In other regions of the country there were recorded only isolated cases of bat rabies. In 2011, number of people vaccinated against rabies was 7 543 (in 2010 - 7,243), of which 300 (4%) due to exposure to the animals that were confirmed to have rabies. Among those vaccinated because of contact with the rabid animal, 68 people (over 22%) were vaccinated after contact with fox. As in previous years, people were mainly vaccinated after exposure to dogs and cats in which rabies could not be ruled out - 5 874 persons (78%). CONCLUSIONS: The number of registered animals with confirmed rabies remains at the same level and the disease epizootic situation is good. This is a consequence of the implementation of the oral vaccination of wild animals introduced in the country in 1993. Epizootic situation in the country has a small influence on the number of people vaccinated against rabies who have come into contact with the animal potentially infected with the rabies. Serum is given in a few cases, including a few people at contact with rabid animals or deeply wounded by animals in which rabies cannot be excluded.

Campylobacteriosis in Poland in 2011.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the epidemiological situation of campylobacteriosis in Poland in 2011 as compared with the situation in 2010. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The assessment was based on the results of the analysis of data from the annual bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland", 2010-2011 (MP Czarkowski et al., NIH and GIS), information from the forms of individual cases and epidemiological investigations forms on outbreaks of campylobacteriosis, which were sent by the Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations to the Department of Epidemiology and data from the Department of Demographic Studies of the Central Statistical Office. All cases were classified according to a surveillance case definition. RESULTS: In 2011, number of campylobacteriosis cases registered in Poland was 354, the incidence rate was 0.92/100,000. All cases were reported as confirmed. No deaths were recorded. More than 61% of reported cases came from two provinces--Slaskie 112 (31%) and Warminsko-mazurskie 104 (29%). The highest incidence was observed in Warminsko-Mazurskie (7.16/100,000). Hospitalized were 57.5%. The lowest percentage of hospitalization (31.3%) was in Slaskie. In six provinces all reported cases were hospitalized. Campylobacter species was determinated in 282 patients (79.7%). It was found that 270 cases were caused by C. jejuni and 12 by C. coli. The majority of cases (264, 74.6%) occurred in the age group 0 - 4, Among the cases were 217 men and 127 women. In 2011, one family outbreak was caused by Campylobacter. CONCLUSION: In Poland, campylobacteriosis is rarely diagnosed and recorded. Routine diagnosis of infection with Campylobacter is done in two provinces only.

[Campylobacteriosis in Poland in 2010]. / Kampylobakterioza w Polsce w 2010 roku.

AIM: The aim of this work is to evaluate the epidemiological situation of Campylobacter in Poland in 2010. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The evaluation was based on results from analysis of: the yearly bulletin "Infectious Diseases and food poisoning in Poland" between the years 2009-2010 (MP Czarkowski i in., PZH i GIS), reports from individual cases and epidemiological investigations of outbreaks linked to Campylobacter, sent by Epidemiological Departments in Sanitary Stations to the Department of Epidemiology at NIZP-PZH. Data was also collected from the Department of Demographical Research based at the Central Statistics Office. All reported cases were verified in accordance with the case definition required for surveillance. RESULTS: In 2010, 375 cases of Campylobacter were reported in Poland, yielding an incidence of 0.98 per 100,000 inhabitants. Of cases reported 367 were confirmed and 8 probable. No deaths were reported. Over, 46% (171) of all cases reported were from the Slaskie voivodship. The highest incidence of 4.76 per 100,000 was observed in Warminsko-Mazurskie voivodship. Fifty-four per cent of people were hospitalized, the least in Warminsko-Mazurskie voivodship (17.6%) and in 5 voivodships over 90% of their cases were hospitalized. Campylobacter was isolated in 305 people who were ill (approximately 81%). In 2010, 275 (73.3%) people were identified as being infected with C. jejuni and 27 (7.2%) with C. coli. Illness due to infection with C. coli was mainly reported in Malopolskie Voivodship, over 55% of all cases were infected with this species. The highest number of cases (292; 77.6%) was observed among children aged between 0-4 years. In terms of gender, a total of 209 men and 166 women were reported as ill. In 2010 4 family outbreaks caused by Campylobacter were reported. One outbreak was also reported among children attending a summer camp, where 78 people were exposed, 53 children of which were up to 14 years of age. A total of 12 children between 8-14 years became ill. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increase in cases of Campylobacter reported, the disease remains underdiagnosed and under-reported. The species of Campylobacter responsible for diseases has been identified in a significant number of cases and has steadily increased in recent years.

[Rabies in Poland in 2010]. / Wscieklizna w Polsce w 2010 roku.

AIM: The aim of this work is to evaluate the epidemiological situation of rabies in Poland in 2010. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The evaluation was based on analysis of data submitted by voivodship sanitary stations survey which included information on people who had been vaccinated for rabies following exposure in Poland and other countries. Additional data from the yearly bulletin "Infectious Diseases and food poisoning in Poland" between the years 2009-2010 (MP Czarkowski i in., PZH and GIS) and epizoonotic data provided by the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate was used. RESULTS: In 2010 in Poland, 152 cases of animal rabies were reported. The majority of animals came from Malopolskie voivodship where from June 2010 an increase in the number of cases of animal rabies was observed. Rabies cases reported among terrestrial animals, as in previous years, also occurred in Lublin and Podkarpackie voivodships. One case was also observed in Mazowieckie voivodship. In other regions of the country isolated cases of bat rabies were recorded. In 2010, a total of 7,243 people were vaccinated against rabies of which 261 (3.6%) were due to exposure of an animal that was confirmed to have rabies. Among people who were vaccinated due to contact with animals where rabies infection was confirmed, a total of 92 (more than 35%) were as a result of fox contact. However as reported in previous years the majority of people were vaccinated after exposure to animals, mainly dogs and cats, among whom rabies could not be ruled out- 6326 people (over 87%). In 2010, 106 people were vaccinated as a result of possible exposure to rabies in other countries. CONCLUSIONS: Despite an increase in the number of rabies cases being observed in Poland, the situation remains under control with a steady decreasing trend being observed. This decrease is a direct consequence of the implementation of the oral vaccination of wild animals which was introduced to Poland in 1993. There is a visible, albeit slower, decrease in the number of people being vaccinated against rabies among people who came into contact with animals potentially infected with the virus.

[Campylobacteriosis in Poland in 2009]. / Kampylobakterioza w Polsce w 2009 roku.

The total number of 360 campylabacteriosis cases were reported in 2008 in Poland. The incidence rate was 0.94 per 100 000 population. All reported cases met criteria of confirmed case of EU case definition. No death was reported. More than 58% of patients were hospitalized. The species of Campylobacter was determined in 283 cases (78,6%): 225 cases (62,5%) were caused by C. jejuni, 47 (about 13%) by C. coli and 11 (about 3%) by C. upsalenssis. Four family outbreaks were reported in 2009 in Poland.

[Rabies in Poland in 2009]. / Wscieklizna w Polsce w 2009 roku.

In Poland 8 cases of animal rabies were reported in 2008. It is the lowest number of animal rabies cases reported in Poland since the registration of the disease in the country. However, the sources of wild animal rabies are still present, mainly in the east part of the country. In Poland in 2009 the total 6 366 of people were vaccinated against rabies. Only 10 vaccinated people had contact with a rabid animal. The main reason for vaccination against rabies was exposure to an animal with not excluded rabies (5 695 cases, 89%).

[Campylobacteriosis in Poland in 2008]. / Kampylobakterioza w Polsce w 2008 roku.

The total number of 270 campylabacteriosis cases were reported in 2008 in Poland. The incidence rate was 0.75 per 100 000 population. All reported cases were confirmed. No death was reported. However, more than 57% of patients were hospitalized. The species of Campylobacter was determined in 246 cases (91%): 205 cases (76%) were caused by C. jejuni infection, 33 (about 12%) by C. coli and 8 (about 3%) by C. upsalenssis. In 2008 two family outbreaks were reported.

[Rabies in Poland in 2008]. / Wscieklizna w Polsce w 2008 roku.

In Poland 28 cases of animal rabies were reported in 2008. Since 1993, when mass oral vaccination of wild animals against rabies was introduced in our country, a positive impact of fox immunisation has been visible on the epizootic situation of rabies in Poland. However, sources of wild and domestic animal rabies are still present, mainly in the east part of the country. In Poland in 2008 the total 6 495 of people were vaccinated against rabies but only 60 (0.9%) were bitten by or had contact with a rabid animal. The main reason for vaccination against rabies was exposure to an animal with not excluded rabies (5 806 cases, 89%).

[Rabies in Poland in 2007]. / Wscieklizna w Polsce w 2007 roku.

In Poland 70 cases of animal rabies were reported in 2007. Since 1993, when mass oral vaccination of wild animals against rabies was introduced in our country, a positive impact of fox immunisation has been visible on the epizootic situation of rabies in Poland. In 2007 we observed more than forty-fold decrease in number of animal rabies cases in comparison with the year 2001. Sources of wild and domestic animal rabies are still present, mainly in the east part of the country (75% of rabies cases). In Poland out of 6,608 people vaccinated against rabies, 91 (1.4%) were bitten by or had contact with a rabid animal. The main reason for vaccination against rabies was exposure to an animal with not excluded rabies (6,874 cases, 89%).