Analysis of epidemic situation of Hepatitis C in Dandong City from January to August of 2006

Objective This study was conducted to analyze the epidemic situation of hepatitis C in the city of Dandong from January to August of 2006 for providing a scientific basis for the formulationof effective preventive and therapeutic measures. Methods The data on the epidemic situation of hepatitis C from Jan. to Aug. of 2006 collected from the brief reports and the internet- based reports on the epidemic were statistically analyzed. Results A total of 203 cases of hepatitis C were reported in the period with an incidence rate of 8.40 per lakh, the number of cases increasing by 42.96% when compared with that in same period in 2005. Most of the cases concentrated in Donggang County. Noobvious seasonal occurrence of the epidemic was seen. Peak incidence of the disease was seen among people aged over 40 years with a ratio of male to female of 1.6∶1. It was shown that peasants were predominantly affected, accounting for 27% . Conclusion The management of epidemic situation reporting of hepatitis C should be strengthened with intensified training of clinicians working inhospitals at the county level, reinforced surveillance and supervision of blood products, effective control of iatrogenic infections, active health education and accelerated development and application of hepatitis C vaccine.