Pertussis in Poland in 2017

After the introduction of compulsory pertussis vaccination in Poland in 1960, there was a sharp decline in the incidence of this disease. For several years, however, an increase in the number of reported cases has been observed. In 2015 and 2016, the incidence was 12.9 and 17.8 per 100 000 population, respectively (1). The year 2017 can be treated as an inter-epidemic year in which there was a significant decrease (by 55.1%) incidence to 8.0 per 100 000 population compared to the previous year. Pertussis who are still old who may be the source of infection for non-immunized or not fully immunized newborns and infants are still a high percentage. Vaccination in accordance with the current calendar remains the most effective strategy for preventing illness. In our country, research is being carried out to optimize pertussis vaccination schedules using both whole-cell and acellular vaccines.

The aim of the study is to assess the epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland in 2017 compared to the situation in previous years, with particular emphasis on assessing the vaccination status of children against pertussis.

The assessment of the epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland was carried out on the basis of the results of the analysis of individual reports of suspected pertussis cases sent to NIZP-PZH by provincial sanitary-epidemiological stations and data from the bulletin ‘Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland in 2017’ (2) and the bulletin ‘Protective vaccinations in Poland in 2017’ (3).

In 2017, 3 061 pertussis cases were recorded. The incidence was 8.0 per 100 000 population and was 55% lower than in the previous year (17.8). The highest incidence of pertussis occurred in persons in the age group 0-4 years (37.0), and high in children and adolescents aged 5-9 and 10-14 years - 21.4 and 25.7 per 100 000 population. From 3 061 pertussis patients, 762 people (i.e. 25%) were hospitalized. In 2017, no deaths from pertussis were reported.

The number of pertussis cases observed in 2017 indicates the persistent circulation of bacteria in the environment and the persistent susceptibility of the population to infection. Still, the only effective strategy to reduce the number of cases of vaccination remains the use of vaccinations according to the current calendar and expert recommendations.