The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped global health trends far beyond SARS-CoV-2 itself. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, significant shifts occurred in the epidemiology of common childhood infections. At the International Conference on Pediatrics, Neonatology and Child Health (March 26–28, 2026 | Singapore & Online), Dr. Svjetlana Mikulić presents an important poster analyzing infection trends from 2018 to 2024.
🔬 Study Focus
The
analysis investigates how pandemic restrictions influenced the incidence of measles,
influenza,
and varicella
in children across the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina—before, during, and
after the pandemic.
📌 Key Findings from the Poster Presentation
1️⃣ Sharp Decline During COVID-19 Restrictions
Public
health measures such as school closures, lockdowns, mask usage, and social
distancing led to a dramatic drop in childhood infections:
·
Influenza:
9,295 cases in 2019 → 248 in 2020
·
Varicella:
6,657 cases in 2019 → 2,073 in 2020
·
Measles: Zero
cases reported 2020–2022
2️⃣ Major Post-Pandemic Rebound
With
restrictions lifted and immunity gaps widening:
·
Influenza soared
to 11,122 cases in 2023
·
Varicella surged
to 11,421 cases
·
Measles outbreak:
4,520 cases in 2023
These
spikes align with reduced viral exposure and interrupted
vaccination routines during the pandemic.
3️⃣ Immunity Gaps Explain the Surge
Years
of limited virus circulation left many children without natural or
vaccine-based immunity, making them more susceptible once normal social
interactions resumed.
4️⃣ Early 2024 Data Shows Slow Stabilization
Although
numbers are leveling off, the incidence of all three infections remains higher
than pre-pandemic levels, signaling ongoing vulnerability.
5️⃣ Public Health Implications
The
research highlights the need for:
·
Catch-up immunization efforts
·
Enhanced surveillance systems
·
Focused strategies to close immunity gaps in pediatric populations
👩⚕️ About Dr. Svjetlana Mikulić
Dr.
Mikulić is a pediatrician and PhD candidate at the University
Clinical Hospital Mostar. Her experience includes:
·
Neonatal intensive care
·
General neonatology
·
Pediatric pulmonology and allergology
·
Management of respiratory and allergic disorders in children
Her
research interests span neonatal endocrinology, rare congenital conditions, and
perinatal health. She actively contributes to pediatric science through
clinical research and international presentations.
📢 Conference Details – Join the Event
Event: International
Conference on Pediatrics, Neonatology and Child Health
Dates: March 26–28,
2026
Format: Hybrid
(Singapore + Online)
Website: https://pediatrics.miconferences.com/
Email:
pediatrics@mathewsconference.com
Phone: +1 (312)
462-4448
WhatsApp:
+1 (424) 377 0967
Submit Abstract: https://pediatrics.miconferences.com/abstract-submission
Register: https://pediatrics.miconferences.com/register
#Pediatrics2026 #ChildhoodInfections
#COVID19Impact #PediatricEpidemiology
#MeaslesOutbreak #InfluenzaSurge #VaricellaTrends #ChildHealth
#PediatricsConference #Neonatology #PublicHealthResearch #Mostar
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