Meningitis and encephalitis in Poland in 2014

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology of meningitis and/or encephalitis in Poland in 2014.

INTRODUCTION: In the last three years in Poland, about 3000 cases of meningitis and/or encephalitis of viral or bacterial etiology were recorded annually.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Assessment of the epidemiological situation of meningitis and/or encephalitis in Poland in 2014, was based on the results of the analysis of epidemiological reports sent to the NIZP-PZH by the Regional Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations published in the annual bulletin “Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2014” and “Preventive immunizations in Poland in 2014”.

RESULTS: In 2014 in Poland 3488 cases of bacterial meningitis and/or encephalitis were recorded. Almost 61.3% of these were viral infections.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: In 2014, in comparison to 2013, a 1.1% increase in the number of cases of meningitis and/or encephalitis was observed and 91% with viral etiology.