Analysis on epidemical trend of viral hepatitis during 2004 to 2009 in Yangzhong City

Objective To analyze the distribution and time trends of viral hepatitis from 2004 to 2009 in Yangzhong City,with aims to further explore the potential strategies for disease controlling and prevention. Methods The incidence of viral hepatitis from 2004 to 2009 in Yangzhong City was investigated based on the local infectious disease surveillance system,and the annual percent changes (APCs) were estimated by a linear regression of the logarithm on the incidence rates of hepatitis during the six years. Results A decreasing trend was observed for incidence of hepatitis A,hepatitis B and non-type hepatitis in Yangzhong City from 2004 to 2009. The changes of above viral hepatitis over time were statistically significant (P0.05),with the APCs for hepatitis A,hepatitis B and non-type hepatitis were-61.902%,-61.864% and-57.216% respectively. The 30 to 59 age was the peak age (accounting for 60.77%),ratio of male to female was 2.75:1. Types of hepatitis were mainly in farmers and workers (74.26%). The seasonal and geographical distribution of hepatitis was variable. Conclusions The decreasing trends of the incidence of hepatitis A and hepatitis B might attribute to the vaccination being carried out among focus groups during the last six years. Integrated control measures should be taken to control hepatitis E,which is an important infectious viral hepatitis in Yangzhong City.