Epidemiological Characteristics of Viral Hepatitis in Guangzhou in 2006

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of viral hepatitis in Guangzhou in 2006 and to formulate preventive and control measures.Method Data from the Annual Report of Infectious Disease in Guangzhou and the surveillance results of hepatitis B infection among women at reproductive age in Guangzhou were analyzed.Result In 2006 the incidence rate of viral hepatitis in Guangzhou was 119.5/105 and the mortality rate was 0.3/105.The majority was viral hepatitis B,accounting for 76.2% of the classified hepatitis.The incidence rate of hepatitis B was 83.2/105.Only 200 viral hepatitis B cases were reported from the age group of 15 years,accounting for 3.2%.Of the 3952 females at reproductive age who were under surveillance,576 were positive for HBsAg(14.6%),133 were positive for all the three markers of HBsAg,HBeAg and anti-HBc(3.4%),and 329 were positive for all the three markers of HBsAg,anti-HBe and anti-HBc(8.3%).Conclusion The incidence rate of viral hepatitis B has a direct impact on the total incidence rate of viral hepatitis.To promote hepatitis B vaccination in children is the major preventive and control measure.Meanwhile,efforts should be made to strengthen management of transient population and stop HBV transmission through blood and blood products.