Analysis on the epidemiological characteristics of syphilis in Wuyi County of Zhejiang from 1992 to 2006

Objective The study was conducted to analyze the epidemiological tendency of syphilis and characteristics of related cases in Wuyi County from 1992 to 2006,providing evidence for the development of control strategies.Methods STD epidemic reports and case reports in the county were collected for epidemiological analysis.Results The reported incidence of syphilis in Wuyi County from 1992 to 2006 rose to 62.59/lakh from 0.31/lakh,trending upwards;StageⅠandⅡsyphilis predominated and latent syphilis and congenital syphilis showed rapid growth.The affected ratio of male to female was 1:1.42,and onset age concentrated in 20 to 49 years old,accounting for 84.79%. The mainly affected occupation was farmers,accounting for 49.27%.As to the geographic distribution, local residents accounted for the major of the affected,while the proportion of foreign residents constituted a yearly increasing trend.Conclusion The syphilis was now reaching epidemic proportions in Wuyi County instead of sporadic incidence,spreading from high-risk population to the general,from cities to vast rural areas.Without effective control of the syphilis,an AIDS epidemic might lie ahead.Further efforts on the prevention and treatment were urged.