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Published on: March 3, 2023
[Scarlet fever in Poland in 2004]
Mirosław P Czarkowski1, Barbara Kondej
1Zakład Epidemiologii Pańistwowego Zakładu Higieny, Warszawa. mpc@pzh.gov.pl
Abstract:
Following the last epidemic in 1995 the scarlet fever incidence in Poland has been gradually decreasing. In 2004 this tendency was reversed as a consequence of the epidemic cycle of scarlet fever which in Poland has the duration of 7-9 years. In total 5,964 cases were registered (54% more then in 2003) corresponding to the incidence of 15,6 per 100,000. Regionally the incidence ranged from 32.6 per 100,000 in kujawsko-pomorskie voivodeship to 4.8 in lubelskie voivodeship. As observed previously incidence in the urban areas (18.9) was significantly higher then in the rural areas (10.5) and the incidence in men (17.6) exceeded the incidence in women (13.8). The majority of cases occurred in children and adolescents younger then 15 years (mode--6 years; incidence 236.7. Approximately 3% of cases were hospitalised. There were no deaths due to scarlet fever reported in 2004.
Insights
Scarlet fever incidence in Poland reversed its decline in 2004 due to a 7-9 year epidemic cycle, with over 5,900 cases reported. The study highlights increased scarlet fever (Streptococcus pyogenes) cases, particularly in urban areas and among children.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Scarlet fever incidence in Poland had been decreasing since the 1995 epidemic.
- A 7-9 year epidemic cycle influences scarlet fever prevalence in Poland.
Purpose:
- To analyze the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of scarlet fever in Poland during 2004.
- To identify trends and demographic patterns of scarlet fever cases.
Summary:
- In 2004, Poland registered 5,964 scarlet fever cases, a 54% increase from 2003, with an overall incidence of 15.6 per 100,000 population.
- Incidence varied regionally, being highest in kujawsko-pomorskie (32.6/100,000) and lowest in lubelskie (4.8/100,000).
- Urban areas (18.9/100,000) and males (17.6/100,000) showed higher incidence rates than rural areas (10.5/100,000) and females (13.8/100,000), respectively. Cases predominantly affected children under 15, with a peak incidence at 6 years (236.7/100,000). Hospitalization affected approximately 3% of cases, with no reported deaths.
Impact:
- The findings underscore the cyclical nature of scarlet fever epidemics and inform public health surveillance strategies.
- Understanding demographic and geographic variations aids in targeted prevention and control measures for Streptococcus pyogenes infections.
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