[Hepatitis B and C in 1997]

In 1997, 4,896 cases of hepatitis B were notified in Poland, including 66 mixed infections with B and C virus. The number of cases notified was 1,539 less than in 1996. The incidence rate was 12.7/100,000, which was lower by 4.0 than in the proceeding year (16.7), what means a decline in the incidence rate of hepatitis B by 24%. 1997 was the fifth consecutive year when a decline in incidence rate hepatitis B was observed, since the intensive program of hepatitis B prevention was introduced in 1993 Hepatitis B incidence rate was greater in urban areas (14.1/100,000) than in villages (10.4/100,000). In urban area, the incidence rate was proportional to the number of habitants (fig. 1). The immunisation programme is the main reason of falling incidence among children aged 0-3. In 1997, 36 cases were notified in children aged 0-3 while in 1990 129 cases were registered. The incidence rate has fallen from 9.5/100,000 to 2.5/100,000 in this age group, which means a drop of 74%. The analysis of notified cases shows that the program of hepatitis B prevention is effective. Positive trends from previous years were maintained in 1997 although the declining trend has been slightly sloved. In 1997 hepatitis C has become a statuatory notificable disease in Poland. 1,064 cases were notified, with an overall incidence of 2.75/100,000.