Trichinellosis in Poland in 2011

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study was assessment of the epidemiological situation of trichinellosis in Poland in 2011.

Materials and methods: The evaluation was carried out on the basis of the analysis of data from the bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland. 2010". information from the questionnaires of individual cases and epidemiological investigations of the outbreaks of trichinellosis sent by the Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations and on data from Demographic Research Department of the Central Statistical Office. Cases were classified according to the current case definition.

Results: In 2011. Poland recorded 23 cases of trichinellosis cases. The incidence was 0.06/100,000. There were reported 10 confirmed cases and 13 probable. There were no deaths from trichinellosis, but over 91% of infected persons were hospitalized. In 2011 three outbreaks of trichinellosis were recorded. One of them occurred in Dolnoślaskie district, where cases of the infection are recorded sporadically. The epidemiological investigations established that the cause of the outbreak was consumption of wild boar meat products, mainly raw sausage. Trichinella containing meat products are prepared primarily for personal use. but are also distributed among family and friends.

Conclusion: The annually repeating outbreaks of trichinellosis mainly among family members indicates insufficient awareness of the risk of parasitic diseases caused by consumption of products containing raw or half raw meat of animals. Of the particular importance is to inform those who will give the carcases of animals to test about the limitations of the test method used.