Influenza in Poland in 2000

In 2000 the number of cases of influenza and influenza-like illness (ILI) registered in Poland amounted to 1,596,920 (68.1% of 1999 cases). The highest influenza incidence was reported in ?ódzkie voivodship (9,388.8 cases per 100,000). Among children aged 0 to 14 years the number of influenza and ILI cases amounted to 408,495 (incidence 5,518.8 cases per 100,000) and was 25.5% of the total number of cases recorded in 2000. The number of patients referred to hospital was 7,028 and 358 persons died due to influenza and its complications. No influenza strains were isolated in 2000. Immunofluorescence test confirmed infection with influenza type A in 39 patients, while with type B--in 2 patients. Sero-surveys carried out in the epidemic season 2000/2001 showed that the highest antihemagglutinin antibody levels were produced for influenza strain A(H3N2) and B. The highest antibody titers were recorded in the age group 15-25, while the lowest levels--in the age group 0-3 years.