Measles in Poland in 2021

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Virology

Background:

• Measles is a highly contagious disease targeted by a World Health Organization (WHO) vaccination program.
• Measles elimination requires 95% vaccination coverage, robust surveillance, and case registration.
• The Department of Virology in Warsaw coordinates measles monitoring in Poland.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate measles epidemiological indicators in Poland for 2021.
• To compare 2021 data with previous years, considering the COVID-19 pandemic's impact.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from "Infectious Diseases and Poisons in Poland in 2021" and "Immunization in Poland in 2021" bulletins.
• Utilized the EpiBase epidemiological surveillance system for data classification.
• Case classification followed the 2021 surveillance definitions.

Main Results:

• Poland registered 13 measles cases in 2021 (incidence 0.03/100,000), a 44.8% decrease from 2020.
• The highest incidence was in children aged 0-4 years (0.32/100,000).
• First-dose vaccination coverage was 90.8% for 3-year-olds; second-dose coverage was 84.6% for 9-year-olds.

Conclusions:

• Measles epidemiological indicators in Poland decreased in 2021 compared to 2020.
• This trend aligns with the European decline in measles cases.
• The reduction is attributed to the fading of pre-pandemic outbreaks, particularly those from 2019.