Measles in Poland: 2022-2023

Measles remains one of the most contagious viral diseases, spreading rapidly in populations with insufficient vaccination coverage. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, cases continue to occur worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set goals of regional elimination and, ultimately, global eradication. Essential elements include ≥95% vaccination coverage, sensitive epidemiological surveillance, and laboratory confirmation. In Poland, these functions are coordinated by the National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute (NIPH NIH - NRI).

To assess the epidemiological situation of measles in Poland in 2022-2023, with particular focus on vaccination coverage, progress in implementing the WHO elimination programme, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The analysis was based on case reports submitted to NIPH-NIH by Provincial Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations, data from the national bulletins Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland (2022-2023) and Vaccinations in Poland (2022-2023), and individual epidemiological interviews registered in the EpiBaza system.

In 2022, 27 cases of measles were reported (incidence 0.07/100,000), and in 2023 - 35 cases (0.09/100,000). Compared to 2021 (13 cases, 0.03/100,000), this represented a 107.7% increase, although the incidence remained 97.7% lower than in 2019 (1,502 cases, 3.31/100,000). The highest rates were recorded among children: in 2022 in the 0-4 age group (0.61/100,000) and in 2023 in the 5-9 group (0.61/100,000). Hospitalisations increased from 7 patients in 2022 (25.9%) to 11 in 2023 (31.4%). No deaths were reported.

In 2022-2023, Poland saw a rise in measles cases compared to 2021, but incidence remained much lower than in the pre-pandemic period. The predominance of cases among children and suboptimal vaccination coverage (<95%) highlight the ongoing risk of outbreaks. Strengthening epidemiological surveillance, systematic monitoring of vaccination rates, and public education are key to meeting WHO elimination targets.