[Hepatitis A in Poland in 1999]

1024 cases of hepatitis A were reported in 1999. The incidence rate was estimated to be 2.6 per 100,000. It represents 50% decrease compared to the preceding year. The incidence rates within rural and urban populations were similar. The highest incidence rates were reported in the NW and Central parts of the country. 31.9% of all reported cases occurred among children 10-14 and 5-9 years old. Evaluation of the efficacy of vaccination against HAV showed an incidence rate substantially lower in flooded area compared to the neighbouring one during the 1997 deluge. After the deluge epidemic of hepatitis A was not reported.