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Rubella in Poland in 2013
Monika Roberta Korczyńska1, Iwona Paradowska-Stankiewicz1
1Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Public Health National Institute of Hygiene in Warsaw.
Przeglad Epidemiologiczny
|August 3, 2015
Summary
Poland experienced a major rubella epidemic in 2013, with a significant increase in cases and incidence, particularly among adolescents. This outbreak highlights the ongoing risks of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome due to past vaccination strategies.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Poland adopted the WHO goal for rubella elimination and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) prevention in 2004.
- Previous vaccination strategies in Poland recommended rubella vaccination only for girls aged 13, leading to continued transmission among males and risk to non-immune pregnant women.
- The program aims to halt rubella virus transmission and prevent CRS through vaccination, requiring clinical diagnosis and laboratory confirmation of cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the epidemiological situation of rubella in Poland during 2013.
- To evaluate vaccination coverage within the Polish population in 2013.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive analysis of epidemiological data.
- Utilized mandatory surveillance system data.
- Referenced published annual bulletins on infectious diseases and vaccinations in Poland for 2013.
Main Results:
- A significant rubella epidemic occurred in Poland in 2013, with 38,548 registered cases, a sixfold increase from 2012.
- The incidence rate was 84.4 per 100,000 population, five times higher than the previous year.
- Adolescents aged 15-19 years exhibited the highest incidence (911.6 per 100,000), and incidence was substantially higher in males than females (181.4 vs. 23.9).
- Two cases of congenital rubella syndrome were reported in 2013.
Conclusions:
- The 2013 rubella epidemic in Poland was linked to the past policy of vaccinating only girls.
- The low proportion of laboratory-confirmed rubella cases (0.2% in 2013) indicates a need for improved diagnostic confirmation.
- Continued efforts are necessary to achieve rubella elimination and prevent congenital rubella syndrome.
