Chickenpox in Poland in 2022.

Abstract

Introduction: Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the Varicella-zoster virus, usually affecting children. It is characterized by a rash with rapid seeding of small red papules. The course of the disease is mild, but in people with weakened immunity it may be severe.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of chickenpox in Poland in 2022 compared to the situation in previous years.

Material and methods: Data from epidemiological surveillance, including mandatory reporting of cases by physicians, were used to assess the epidemiological situation of chickenpox in Poland.

Results: In 2022, 171 708 cases of chickenpox were recorded, of which 87.5% were children under 9 years old. Hospitalization due to chickenpox was not one of the most common, the percentage of hospitalized cases oscillated between 0.12% and 1.24% depending on the voivodeship. Analyzing the incidence for the whole of Poland for the last 10 years, we see a drastic decrease from 470.6 in 2019 to 186.6 in 2020 and another decrease in 2021 to 151.1 per 100 000, to then return to an incidence of 453.9 in 2022.

Conclusion: The incidence of chickenpox in 2022 returned to pre-pandemic levels, similar to those seen in 2016-2018. Despite preventive measures taken throughout the pandemic, significant incidence was observed, underlining the key role of vaccination in preventing this disease. The use of a quadrivalent vaccine against rubella, measles, mumps, and varicella could help reduce the costs associated with chickenpox, with a small increase in the costs of the vaccination program.