[Scarlet fever in Poland in 2001].

In 2001, as compared to 2000, a 29.5% decrease in the number of scarlet fever cases was noted. The incidence was 15.2 per 100,000 population and was one of the lowest since the World War I. In particular voivodeships incidence ranged from 5.7 to 28.8 per 100,000 population. In urban areas the incidence was 32.3% higher than in rural ones. Of all registered cases 91.9% were children under 15 years of age. The age distribution of scarlet fever cases in 2001 was similar to the distribution observed in the last decade. The highest incidence was noted among children aged 6 and 5,169.1 and 155.1 per 100,000 respectively. About 2.1% of all cases were hospitalised. No scarlet fever deaths were noted.