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Updated: Jun 25, 2025
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
Published on: February 7, 2019
Mumps in Poland in 2021
Joanna Bogusz1, Iwona Paradowska-Stankiewicz1
1National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute, Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance Narodowy Instytut Zdrowia Publicznego PZH - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Zakład Epidemiologii Chorób Zakaźnych i Nadzoru.
Introduction:
Mumps is a contagious viral disease occurring mainly in children, the source of infection being the sick/infected person. Since 2003, vaccination against mumps has been mandatory in Poland, performed according to a two-dose schedule. As part of the Public Health Immunization Program (PSO), the MMR combination vaccine (against measles, mumps and rubella) is used for the entire population of children.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to evaluate epidemiological indicators of mumps in Poland in 2021 compared to previous years, taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Material And Methods:
The analysis of the epidemiological situation of mumps in Poland in 2021 was based on the interpretation of data from the bulletin , "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2021" and , "Immunization in Poland in 2021".
Results:
484 cases of mumps were registered in Poland in 2021. The total incidence was 1.3 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than in 2020. The highest incidence of 1.8 per 100,000 residents was registered in Pomorskie Province, and the lowest incidence of 0.7 in Lower Silesia Province. The highest incidence (6.4/100 thousand) was recorded in children aged 0-4 and 5-9. The incidence rate for men (1.4/100,000) was higher than for women (1.1). In 2021, there were 9 patients hospitalized due to mumps, this was more than in 2020.
Conclusions:
The decrease in the number of cases of mumps in 2021 remained related to the ongoing pandemic - the restrictions introduced during the pandemic period led to a decrease in the number of cases not only of COVID-19, but also of other diseases spread by the droplet route, including mumps. The number of registered cases based on the reports of diagnosing physicians may be underestimating the actual number of cases due to the continued difficult access of patients to primary care physicians.
Insights
Mumps cases in Poland decreased in 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, with lower incidence observed compared to 2020. Continued access issues may underreport actual mumps cases.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mumps is a contagious viral illness primarily affecting children.
- Poland mandates mumps vaccination using the MMR vaccine since 2003.
- The study examines mumps epidemiology in Poland.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate mumps epidemiological indicators in Poland for 2021.
- To compare 2021 data with previous years.
- To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mumps incidence.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of epidemiological data from official Polish reports.
- Utilized bulletins on infectious diseases and immunizations in Poland for 2021.
Main Results:
- 484 mumps cases reported in Poland in 2021, with an incidence of 1.3 per 100,000.
- Highest incidence in children aged 0-9 and in Pomorskie Province.
- Incidence in men (1.4/100,000) was higher than in women (1.1/100,000).
Conclusions:
- The pandemic's restrictions likely contributed to the reduced mumps cases.
- Underreporting may occur due to limited patient access to primary care.
- Mumps surveillance data requires careful interpretation considering access barriers.
