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[Surveillance of notifiable infectious diseases in Bavaria - results in 2002]
M-S Ludwig1, W Hautmann, M Wildner
1Bayerisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit.
Abstract:
In 2002 nearly 36 000 cases of notifiable infectious diseases were reported in Bavaria representing a 10 % increase compared to 2001 (33 000 cases). As in 2001, around 75 % of reported cases were gastrointestinal infections. Every third infection was due to salmonella. As compared to last year, the incidence of Norwalk-like virus infections increased fivefold. These infections occurred mostly as outbreaks in nursing homes, hospitals or other institutions, affecting as many as 200 persons. Other frequently reported infections in Bavaria are tuberculosis and hepatitis. The relatively high incidence of measles is mainly due to an outbreak in Coburg. The decline in the incidence of tuberculosis observed over the last years has ceased. Around 70 % of reported hepatitis cases were due to hepatitis C. It should be noted that these cases were a mixture of new infections and ongoing infections diagnosed for the first time. Of great epidemiological importance are diseases caused by meningitis pathogens. The incidence of meningococcal infections was practically unchanged as compared to last year. Around half of them were caused by serotype B, which is currently not preventable by vaccination. Meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae B is continually declining due to the high vaccination rate and is very rarely reported. Several cases of FSME were described. According to investigations carried out by health departments these infections were acquired in countries not yet classified as FSME risk areas. Hence, the endemics maps of FSME have to be revised. Two years of reporting according to IfSG (infectious disease control law) yielded very encouraging results, i. e. rapid accessibility of data, flexibility, complete and standardised reporting with high quality of data. We thank all the reporting physicians and laboratories and the staff of the Bavarian health departments for their continuous support.
Insights
Infectious disease reports in Bavaria increased by 10% in 2002, with gastrointestinal infections and salmonella remaining common. Notable increases in Norwalk-like virus outbreaks and FSME cases highlight evolving public health concerns.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Surveillance
Background:
- Notifiable infectious diseases in Bavaria saw a 10% increase in 2002 compared to 2001.
- Gastrointestinal infections constituted approximately 75% of reported cases, with Salmonella being the most frequent cause.
- Other significant infectious diseases reported include tuberculosis, hepatitis (predominantly Hepatitis C), and measles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the trends and patterns of notifiable infectious diseases in Bavaria for the year 2002.
- To assess the impact of the new infectious disease control law (IfSG) on data reporting and quality.
- To identify specific outbreaks and emerging public health concerns, such as FSME acquired in non-endemic areas.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of reported cases of notifiable infectious diseases in Bavaria for 2002.
- Comparison of 2002 data with 2001 data to identify trends and changes in incidence.
- Evaluation of the reporting system under the IfSG for data accessibility, standardization, and quality.
Main Results:
- A total of nearly 36,000 cases were reported in 2002, a 10% rise from 2001.
- Norwalk-like virus infections increased fivefold, often occurring as large outbreaks in institutional settings.
- Meningococcal infections remained stable, with serotype B being prevalent and unpreventable by vaccination. Meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae B continues to decline due to high vaccination rates.
- Several cases of tick-borne encephalitis (FSME) were reported, acquired in areas not previously considered endemic, necessitating a revision of FSME risk maps.
- The IfSG reporting system demonstrated high data quality, accessibility, and standardization.
Conclusions:
- Bavaria experienced a significant increase in notifiable infectious diseases in 2002, driven by gastrointestinal infections and notable outbreaks.
- Emerging challenges include the rise of Norwalk-like virus outbreaks and FSME cases acquired in new regions.
- The IfSG has proven effective in providing timely, high-quality data for infectious disease surveillance and control.
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