The article evaluates Poland’s surveillance system for aseptic central nervous system infections (ACI), which are often caused by viruses and can lead to serious illnesses like meningitis and encephalitis. The system, in place since 1966, aims to track trends, detect outbreaks, and monitor threats such as tick-borne encephalitis, enteroviruses, and polio. However, the study found that only 17% of cases had their cause identified, and there were significant regional differences in diagnosis and reporting. Many cases went untested or unreported, limiting the system’s ability to meet its goals and respond to public health threats. We recommended improving diagnostic access, standardizing protocols, and creating networks for better investigation, so Poland can more effectively detect and manage these infections.
This was one of my first experiences evaluating the surveillance of communicable diseases in Poland. The surveillance system for central nervous system (CNS) infections of probable viral (aseptic) aetiology, implemented about 50 years earlier, was particularly interesting because it required reporting all CNS infections, regardless of whether the cause was confirmed or unknown. Such syndrome‑based surveillance can be useful for detecting early warning signals, for example, a sudden increase in meningitis cases. However, our evaluation showed that the system lacked clearly defined objectives, making it difficult to use for any specific public health purpose. If physicians do not understand the value of reporting, they may be less willing to participate in surveillance activities.