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Infectious diseases in Poland in 2023
Magdalena Rosińska1, Mirosław P Czarkowski1, Małgorzata Sadkowska-Todys1
1Zakład Epidemiologii Chorób Zakaźnych i Nadzoru, Narodowy Instytut Zdrowia Publicznego PZH - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy.
Przeglad Epidemiologiczny
|April 14, 2026
Summary
Infectious disease incidence rose in Poland in 2023 due to a post-COVID-19 "immunity gap," leading to more pertussis, intestinal infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. The impact of Ukrainian refugees on disease spread was minimal.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global health, altering disease dynamics and public health responses.
- Poland experienced an influx of refugees from Ukraine, necessitating an assessment of potential public health implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the epidemiological situation of infectious diseases in Poland in 2023.
- To evaluate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic's aftermath and the refugee situation on disease patterns.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of published studies from Epidemiological Chronicle.
- Analysis of data from the national infectious disease registry, Epibaza.
- Inclusion of mortality data from the Statistics Poland Office.
Main Results:
- COVID-19 cases and deaths decreased compared to 2022, but remained a significant cause of infectious disease mortality.
- An "immunity gap" post-pandemic led to increased incidence of pertussis, influenza, and intestinal infections (Salmonella, Campylobacter, Yersinia, Norovirus).
- Increases in pneumococcal disease (adults/seniors), HIV diagnoses (Polish nationals), gonorrhea, and syphilis were observed, while rotavirus and HIV among migrants decreased.
Conclusions:
- Several infectious diseases saw increased incidence in 2023, driven by the pandemic-induced "immunity gap" and vaccination program specifics.
- The impact of refugees from Ukraine on the overall infectious disease landscape in Poland was found to be minor.
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