[Rubella in Poland in 2001]

In 2001 in Poland we observed a subsequent peak of rubella epidemic (the previous peak was observed in 1997). As compared to 2000, an 82.8% increase in the number of rubella cases was noted. A total of 84,419 cases were registered, including 3 cases of congenital rubella. Incidence on the country level was 218.5 per 100,000 population. In particular voivodeships it ranged from 50.1 to 655.2. For the first time since rubella became reportable, the incidence in rural areas (220.1) was higher than in urban areas (217.4) Incidence among women (193.6) was 21% lower than among men (244.8). This disproportion is gradually increasing. One of the probable reasons of this difference is the intensive immunisation of 13-year old girls, which has been in place for several years now. Among all registered rubella cases 91.7% were children under 15 years of age. The highest incidence was noted among 7-year old (2,235.8), 8-year old (1,964.7) and 6-year old (1,954.5) children. About 0.3% of rubella cases were hospitalised. No rubella deaths were noted if to exclude one death due to congenital rubella.