[Rubella in Poland in 2004].

In Poland, 4,857 cases of rubella were registered in 2004 (incidence 12.7 per 100,000 population). No cases of congenital rubella syndrome were reported. A 54% decrease in incidence was noted, compared to 2003. The incidence registered during 2004 dropped below the lowest level noted ever since the introduction of mandatory reporting in 1966. Across voivodeships, the incidence ranged from 30.7 per 100,000 in kujawsko-pomorskie to 4.2 per 100,000 in mazowieckie. As in 2003 rubella incidence among residents of urban areas was lower, compared to residents of rural areas (12.5 and 13.1 respectively). The incidence in men (13.9) was 38% higher than in women (11.6). For the first time the highest incidence was observed in children aged 1 (144.6 per 100,000) and infants (114.0). Approximately 0,7% of cases required hospital admission. No rubella deaths were registered. The epidemiology of rubella in Poland has changed in recent years due to increasing proportion of children at the age of 13-14 months vaccinated with recommended vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella. Substantial improvement of rubella epidemiologic situation is expected in following decade after introduction of MMR in the routine immunization schedule.