[Scarlet fever in 1998]

Following last compensatory epidemic of scarlet fever in 1995 number of cases decreases more slowly then after earlier epidemics. In 1998 incidence for the whole country was 41.9 per 100,000 with a range of 9.2 to 72.5 for individual voivodeships. Relations between incidence and age, gender and habitation (rural vs. urban areas) did not change. In 1998 the highest incidence was noted among children 6 years old (462.4) and 7 years old (440.5). Incidence among men was slightly higher (44.5) then women (39.4). Incidence in urban areas (52.8) more than twofold surpassed incidence in rural areas (24.2). 1% of cases were hospitalized. There were not any fatalities noted.