Measles in Poland: 2022-2023

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, posing a significant global health challenge.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) aims for measles elimination through high vaccination coverage (≥95%), robust surveillance, and laboratory confirmation.
• The National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute (NIPH NIH - NRI) coordinates these efforts in Poland.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the measles epidemiological situation in Poland during 2022-2023.
• To assess vaccination coverage rates and progress toward WHO measles elimination targets.
• To analyze the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on measles epidemiology.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of measles case reports submitted to NIPH NIH - NRI.
• Review of national bulletins on infectious diseases and vaccinations (2022-2023).
• Examination of individual epidemiological interviews from the EpiBaza system.

Main Results:

• Measles incidence rose to 0.07/100,000 in 2022 and 0.09/100,000 in 2023, a significant increase from 2021 but substantially lower than in 2019.
• Children, particularly those aged 0-4 and 5-9, represented the highest-risk groups for measles infection.
• Hospitalization rates increased, though no deaths were reported.

Conclusions:

• Despite a recent increase, measles incidence in Poland remains below pre-pandemic levels.
• Predominance of cases in children and vaccination coverage below 95% indicate a persistent risk of outbreaks.
• Strengthening surveillance, monitoring vaccination rates, and public health education are crucial for achieving WHO measles elimination goals.