Pertussis in Poland in 2023.

BACKGROUND

In 2023, a significant increase in the number of pertussis cases was recorded in Poland, which is consistent with the trend of a resurgence of respiratory diseases observed across Europe following the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase is related to factors such as declining population immunity, delays in vaccinations, and diagnostic difficulties, particularly in adults and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland in 2023 compared to the situation in previous years, with particular emphasis on assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and assessing the vaccination status of children against pertussis.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The assessment of the epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland was made based on the results of the analysis of individual reports on pertussis cases registered at the National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute in the EpiBaza system and data from the annual bulletins "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland" and the bulletin "Vaccinations in Poland in 2023".

RESULTS

In 2023, 922 cases of pertussis were recorded. The incidence was 2.45/100,000, which was 150% higher than in 2022. The highest incidence of pertussis occurred in children aged 0-4 years (17.3/100,000), and high in children aged 5-9 years (7.6/100,000). Approximately 45% of cases occurred in people over 15 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

In 2023, the number of pertussis cases in Poland increased more than 2.5-fold compared to the previous year, which is due, among other things, to the complete lifting of pandemic restrictions and an increase in social contacts. Pertussis remains a significant public health threat, and waning post-vaccination immunity promotes transmission, especially among adolescents and adults, who can infect infants.