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[Measles in Poland in 2002]
Mirosław P Czarkowski1, Barbara Kondej
1Zakład Epidemiologii Państwowego Zakładu Higieny ul. Chocimska 24, 00-791 Warszawa. mpc@pzh.gov.pl
Abstract:
In Poland 34 measles cases were registered in 2002 (0.09 per 100,000 population)--99 cases less than in the preceding year. Eleven (32%) cases occurred in unvaccinated persons, 9 (27%) in persons who had received only one dose of the vaccine and 14 (41%) in those vaccinated with two doses. The number of cases among the vaccinated population--23, including one case of vaccine associated measles--together with high vaccination coverage after 1975, indicates high effectiveness of measles vaccines used in Poland. Fifteen cases (44%) were confirmed serologically (IgM). Across the voivodeships the number of cases ranged from 0 in four voivodeships to 5 in the ślaskie voivodeship. In none of the voivodeships, however, did the incidence exceed 0.2 per 100,000. The most affected were infants (incidence 0.85 per 100,000), children in their second year of life (incidence 1.09) and children aged 5 and 6 years--incidence of 0.72 and 0.69 respectively. According to the immunization schedule these were children who should receive their first or subsequent dose of vaccine during the year 2002. Cases among children and adolescents below 15 years of age (26 cases) constituted 77% of all reported cases. Out of all reported cases 13 (38%) were hospitalized. There were no deaths due to measles in Poland in 2002.
Insights
In 2002, Poland reported 34 measles cases, demonstrating high measles vaccine effectiveness. Despite some cases in vaccinated individuals, the low incidence and high vaccination coverage indicate successful disease control.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Context:
- Measles surveillance in Poland during 2002.
- Analysis of measles cases in relation to vaccination status.
- Evaluation of measles vaccine effectiveness in a national context.
Purpose:
- To report the epidemiological situation of measles in Poland in 2002.
- To assess the role of vaccination in measles cases.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of measles vaccines utilized in Poland.
Summary:
- Poland registered 34 measles cases in 2002, a significant decrease from the previous year. Cases occurred across unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and fully vaccinated individuals, including one vaccine-associated case. Serological confirmation (IgM) was positive in 44% of cases. Incidence varied geographically, with the highest rates among infants and young children.
- The majority of cases (77%) were in children and adolescents under 15. Hospitalization was required for 38% of cases. Importantly, no measles-related deaths were recorded in Poland in 2002.
- High vaccination coverage since 1975 and the overall low case numbers, despite some breakthrough infections, underscore the high effectiveness of the measles vaccines used in Poland.
Impact:
- Provides crucial data on measles epidemiology and vaccine effectiveness in Poland.
- Highlights the importance of continued high vaccination coverage to maintain disease control.
- Informs public health strategies for measles prevention and elimination efforts.
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