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Published on: November 22, 2013
Legionellosis in Poland in 2011
Hanna Stypułkowska-Misiurewicz1, Michal Czerwinski
1Department of Bacteriology, Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw. hstypulkowska@pzh.gov.pl
Przeglad Epidemiologiczny
|September 18, 2013
Summary
In 2011, Poland reported 18 cases of Legionnaires' disease, a 50% decrease from the previous year. Surveillance data indicates sporadic cases, with pneumonia being the primary presentation and a focus needed on environmental Legionella exposure.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Legionellosis, a severe pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, poses a public health concern.
- Understanding the epidemiology of legionellosis is crucial for effective disease control and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the epidemiology of legionellosis in Poland during 2011.
- To analyze national surveillance data for Legionnaires' disease trends and characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Review of national surveillance data from the "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland" bulletin (2005-2011).
- Analysis of legionellosis case reports submitted to the Department of Epidemiology NIPH-NIH in 2011.
Main Results:
- 18 cases of Legionnaires' disease were reported in Poland in 2011, with an incidence rate of 0.05 per 100,000 population.
- A significant decrease in incidence (>50%) compared to the previous year, though similar to 2005-2009 median rates.
- Cases were sporadic, primarily presenting as pneumonia, with higher incidence in men and the Mazowieckie province. Four deaths were reported in patients over 55. Infection sources were identified in one hospital-acquired case and one sanatorium-associated case; two cases were imported.
Conclusions:
- National surveillance for legionellosis requires enhanced data collection on environmental sources and potential Legionella exposures.
- Further investigation into environmental reservoirs is necessary to prevent and control Legionnaires' disease outbreaks.
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