Surveillance of varicella and herpes zoster in Slovenia, 1996 – 2005

In Slovenia, varicella and herpes zoster infections are case-based mandatorily notifiable diseases. We present surveillance data for a period of ten years (1996 - 2005). Incidences of varicella ranged from 456 to 777 per 100 000 population in all age groups. As many as 75% of varicella cases reported were in pre-school children, with children aged three and four years being most affected. The incidence of varicella increased between October and January and was lowest in August and September; the seasonal pattern matches patterns in the school calendar. Herpes zoster was declared a reportable disease in 1995. In 2005, 1627 cases were notified (81.3/100 000). Female cases outnumbered male. The highest incidence of herpes zoster was noted in elderly individuals over 70 years of age. Complications, such as zoster meningitis and meningoencephalitis, were rarely reported (3.05/1 000 000).