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Published on: November 22, 2013
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Legionellosis in Poland in 2018-2021
Michał Czerwiński1, Ewelina Księżak1, Katarzyna Piekarska2
1National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute, Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance.
Przeglad Epidemiologiczny
|October 20, 2023
Summary
Legionellosis cases increased in Poland before the COVID-19 pandemic, with the highest incidence in men over 65. Early diagnosis of Legionnaires
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Legionellosis, encompassing Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever, is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the epidemiological trends of legionellosis is crucial for effective disease control and prevention strategies.
- The COVID-19 pandemic potentially impacted the reporting and incidence of other infectious diseases, including legionellosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the epidemiological situation of legionellosis in Poland during 2018-2021 with previous years.
- To assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021) on legionellosis incidence and reporting.
- To identify demographic and geographic patterns of legionellosis in Poland.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of national surveillance data from 2013-2021, including annual bulletins and Legionnaires' disease case reports.
- Utilized data from sanitary and epidemiological stations and the EpiBase system.
- Calculated incidence rates per 100,000 population and analyzed demographic and geographic distributions.
Main Results:
- A total of 255 legionellosis cases (236 Legionnaires' disease, 19 Pontiac fever) were registered in 2018-2021, showing an increase from 2013-2017.
- The highest incidence rate was observed in 2019 (0.23/100,000), declining during the COVID-19 pandemic years.
- Men aged 65+ were most affected (0.58/100,000), with higher incidence in western Poland (Pomorskie region). 26 fatal cases (11% mortality) were reported, linked to healthcare water systems and travel.
Conclusions:
- Legionnaires' disease remains infrequently diagnosed in Poland, with incidence rates among the lowest in the EU.
- The primary demographic affected is men aged 65 and older.
- Enhancing early diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease within healthcare settings is a critical public health priority.
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