Legionellosis in Poland in 2013

The objective of the article is to assess the epidemiological situation of legionellosis in Poland in 2013 in comparison to the preceding years. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The analysis of epidemiological situation was based on the data published in the annual bulletin: "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2013" and its prior versions as well as the legionellosis case reports sent to the Department of Epidemiology of NIPH-NIH.

In Poland, all cases of legionellosis, including Legionnaires' disease--a form of disease accompanied by pneumonia and mild, influenza-like form of infection--Pontiac fever are routinely reported to the surveillance. In 2013, a total of 11 legionellosis cases were reported (all 11 were cases of Legionnaires' disease and no one case of Pontiac fever); the incidence was 0.029 per 100,000 population which was a bit higher compared to the previous year but was 40 % lower from the median incidence for 2007-2011. The infections were reported in 7 provinces. The incidence in males (0.04 per 100,000) was slightly higher compared to females (0.02). No legionellosis outbreaks were registered--all infections were of sporadic nature. All cases were hospitalized., of these, seven were infected in the country, including three hospital acquired infections. Four infections were associated with travels abroad (one to Austria, one to Bulgaria, one to Germany and one to Italy). All the four cases connected with travel abroad survived., but 5 cases from 7 infected in Poland were fatal. The sanitary inspection reported that four fatal cases were over the age of 50, but one girl was 14 years old

In 2013, no changes of fundamental features of legionellosis epidemiological situation in Poland were observed. It is recommended to enhance the surveillance for legionellosis, with emphasis on conducting environmental investigation in areas where infections have occurred.