Poland Health Overview

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There are few health risks associated with travel to Poland. Those visiting forested areas are advised to seek medical advice about inoculations for tick borne encephalitis, and tick bite prevention measures due to the presence of Lyme disease. Bird flu was first discovered in northern Poland in March 2006; there is little risk to travellers, but close contact with live birds should be avoided and all egg and poultry dishes well cooked as a precaution. It is safest to drink bottled water to avoid stomach upsets. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to low-cost emergency medical treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but full health insurance cover is still advised. Medical facilities and standards of health care are good, but not many nurses or doctors speak English.

View information on diseases: Tick-borne encephalitis , Lyme disease

Tick-borne encephalitis

Cause: The tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus, which is a flavivirus. Other closely related viruses cause similar diseases. Transmission: Infection is transmitted by the bite of infected ticks. There is no direct person-to-person transmission. Some related viruses, also tick-borne, infect animals such as birds, deer (louping-ill), rodents and sheep. Nature of the disease: Infection with tick-borne encephalitis may induce an influenza-like illness, with a second phase of fever occurring in 10% of cases. Encephalitis develops during the second phase and may result in paralysis, permanent sequelae or death. Severity of illness increases with age. Geographical distribution: Tick-borne encephalitis is present in large parts of Europe, particularly Austria, the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania), the Czech Republic, Hungary and the Russian Federation. The disease is seasonal, occurring mainly during the summer months in rural and forest areas at altitudes up to 1,000 metres. Risk for travellers: In endemic areas during the summer months, travellers are at risk when hiking or camping in rural or forest areas. Prophylaxis (protective treatment): A vaccine against TBE is available. Precautions: Avoid bites by ticks by wearing long trousers and closed footwear when hiking or camping in endemic areas. If a bite occurs, the tick should be removed as soon as possible. Source: WHO.

Lyme disease

Cause: The spirochaete Borrelia burgdorferi, of which there are several different serotypes. Transmission: Infection with Lyme disease occurs through the bite of infected ticks, both adults and nymphs, of the genus Ixodes. Most human infections result from bites by nymphs. Many species of mammals can be infected, and deer act as an important reservoir. Nature of the disease: The disease usually has its onset in summer. Early skin lesions have an expanding ring form, often with a central clear zone. Fever, chills, myalgia and headache are common. Meningeal involvement may follow. Central nervous system and other complications may occur weeks or months after the onset of illness. Arthritis may develop up to 2 years after onset. Geographical distribution: There are endemic foci of Lyme borreliosis in forested areas of Asia, north-western, central and eastern Europe, and the USA. Risk for travellers: Generally low. Visitors to rural areas in endemic regions, particularly campers and hikers, are at risk. Prophylaxis (protective treatment): A vaccine available in the USA provides protection against the specific serotype endemic in the USA. Precautions: Avoid tick-infested areas and exposure to ticks. If a bite occurs, remove the tick as soon as possible. Source: WHO.

Poland Health Overview

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