Legionellosis in Poland in 2017
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to assess the epidemiological situation of legionellosis in Poland in 2017 in comparison with previous years.


MATERIAL AND METHODS
The analysis is based on national surveillance data published in the annual bulletin: “Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2017” and bulletins from previous years along with data from legionellosis case reports collected and sent to the Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance NIPH – NIH by Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations.


RESULTS
In Poland, both cases of Legionnaires’ disease (an acute form of infection with pneumonia) and Pontiac fever (a mild, influenza-like form of infection) are routinely reported to the surveillance system. In 2017, a total of 39 cases of legionellosis were registered, including 38 cases of Legionnaires’ disease and 1 case of Pontiac fever; the annual incidence rate 0.102 (per 100,000 population) has increased by almost 50 percent since previous year (0.070) and is almost three times higher than the median incidence (0.036) for 2011-2015.
The infections were reported in fourteen voivodeships; only one voivodeship (Świętokrzyskie) did not register any case in last years. The incidence in men (0.129 per 100,000) was higher compared to women (0.076); the highest incidence (0.323) was noted in men aged 50-59. All reported cases were sporadic and were hospitalised. The Sanitary Inspection reported nine fatal cases – 6 women and 3 men. Thirty three cases were autochthonous including four cases linked with contaminated water systems in health-care settings. Six cases were associated with travels abroad (to Egypt, Albania, Italy and Crete).


SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
Although in recent years number of reported cases continues to rise, the incidence of legionellosis in Poland remains one of the lowest in the entire EU. Also draws attention variation of incidence between provinces and a high mortality among reported cases. Our data suggest significant under-diagnosis of legionellosis. A priority remains to improve early diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease in health care settings.
['Stypulkowska-Misiurewicz|Hanna|H|', 'Czerwiński|Michał|M|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D002648:Child D002675:Child, Preschool D005260:Female D006801:Humans D015994:Incidence D007876:Legionellosis D007877:Legionnaires' Disease D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D011044:Poland D012042:Registries D055815:Young Adult
legionellosis Poland epidemiology 2017 infectious diseases Legionnaires’ disease atypical pneumonia Legionella sp.