The epidemiologic characteristics of infectious diarrhea in Huizhou during 2004 to 2009

Objective To analyze epidemiologic features of infectious diarrhea and to provide theoretical support for control measures in Huizhou. Methods Descriptive epidemiologic method was used to analyze characteristics of the reported infectious diarrhea cases from the routine infectious disease surveillance system during 2004 to 2009. Results A total of 4850 cases of infectious diarrhea were reported with an ascending annual incidence trend from 2004 to 2009, and the annual incidence was from 9.58/100 000 to 30.45/100 000. The patients under 3 accounted for 77.28%, and the peak onset of infectious diarrhea was between November and December. 59.09% of the cases were diagnosed by laboratory tests. 52.29% of the total reported cases and 88.49% of the lab diagnosed cases were rotavirus infection. Conclusions From 2004 to 2009 in Huizhou, rotavirus diarrhea occurs mostly in the children under 3 years old. The high incidence is in autumn and winter. Rotavirus infection accounts for a high proportion of sporadic cases. More attention should be paid to the control and prevention of pediatric rotavirus diarrhea. Key words: Infectious diarrhea; Epidemiology; Monitoring