Infectious diseases in Poland in 2024. The Central Statistical Office report reveals disturbing trends
Data from the Central Statistical Office show that in 2024 the number of whooping cough cases has increased more than thirty times. As many as 32.8 thousand were registered. cases, which means an increase by 31.8 thousand. cases compared to the previous year. The incidence rate reached 87.2 per 100,000. inhabitants – in 2023 it was only 2.4.
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The number of cases of Lyme disease increased for another year in a row. In 2024, 29.9 thousand were recorded. cases of this tick-borne disease, which means an increase of 18.1%. relative to 2023 A similar trend was observed in the case of scarlet fever – the number of cases amounted to 48.5 thousand, which is an increase of 8.3%.
Measles, a disease that was almost eradicated in recent years thanks to vaccinations, has also made a comeback. In 2024, the number of cases increased almost eightfold, reaching 272 cases. Although this number is still much lower than the record level of 2019 (1,502 cases), experts point out the need to strengthen preventive measures.
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Increased incidence of viral hepatitis
In 2024, the number of cases of viral hepatitis (hepatitis) of all types increased. The most cases were recorded in the case of hepatitis C – 3,565 cases, which means an increase by 298 cases. Hepatitis B was recorded in 3,545 people (an increase of 403 cases), and hepatitis A, commonly called the disease of dirty hands, in 318 people (an increase of 112 cases).
The number of cases of infectious diseases of the digestive system has also increased. Particularly noticeable was a more than twofold increase in cases of enteritis caused by rotaviruses – 13.9 thousand. illnesses. Infectious diarrhea in children under two years of age increased by 20.2%, reaching the number of 25,000. cases.
Invasive infectious diseases top the list of threats
In 2024, the most invasive infections were recorded in the case of pneumococcal disease, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae – 3.5 thousand. cases, which means an increase of 18.5%. In the case of Haemophilus influenzae, the number of cases increased by 43%, reaching 379 cases. There was also a slight increase in invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis – 153 cases (one more than in 2023).
Decrease in the incidence of some infectious diseases
Not all infectious diseases have seen an increase. The number of cases of rubella, mumps and tetanus, which are subject to mandatory vaccination, decreased in 2024. Eight cases of tetanus were recorded (five fewer than in 2023), 931 cases of mumps (35 fewer) and 193 cases of rubella (50 fewer).
The number of salmonellosis cases also dropped significantly – 9.4 thousand. cases, which means a decrease by nearly 1 thousand. cases. It was similar in the case of enteritis caused by Clostridioides difficile – 20.7 thousand. cases (0.6 thousand less).
Tuberculosis and venereal diseases under control
In 2024, 4,236 cases of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis were registered, a decrease of 200 cases. Venereal diseases, such as syphilis and gonorrhea, also recorded a decline – 3,023 people were treated in dermatology and venereology clinics, a decrease of 9.5%.
The Central Statistical Office report “Health and health care in 2024”, published on Wednesday, sheds light on the changing epidemiological trends in Poland. The increase in the number of cases of many infectious diseases indicates the need to intensify preventive activities and monitor the health situation in the country.
