Meningitis and encephalitis in Poland in 2014

Iwona Paradowska-Stankiewicz1, Anna Piotrowska2

  • 1National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene in Warsaw,Department of Epidemiology

Przeglad Epidemiologiczny
|November 18, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

In Poland, 3488 cases of meningitis and/or encephalitis were recorded in 2014, with viral infections accounting for 61.3%. This represents a slight increase from the previous year, highlighting ongoing concerns for infectious disease epidemiology.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Meningitis and/or encephalitis pose a significant public health challenge in Poland.
  • Annual incidence rates have remained substantial, with approximately 3000 cases recorded over the past three years.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the epidemiological landscape of meningitis and/or encephalitis in Poland for the year 2014.
  • To identify trends and etiological factors contributing to these infections.

Main Methods:

  • Data was sourced from annual bulletins on "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland" and "Preventive immunizations in Poland" for 2014.
  • Epidemiological reports submitted by Regional Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations to the National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene (NIZP-PZH) were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • A total of 3488 cases of bacterial meningitis and/or encephalitis were documented in Poland in 2014.
  • Viral etiologies constituted the majority of cases, accounting for approximately 61.3% of the total.
  • A 1.1% increase in case numbers was observed compared to 2013, with 91% of these increases attributed to viral infections.

Conclusions:

  • The epidemiology of meningitis and/or encephalitis in Poland in 2014 showed a slight upward trend, predominantly driven by viral causes.
  • Continued surveillance and targeted prevention strategies are crucial for managing these infectious diseases.