Analysis on epidemiological characteristics of viral hepatitis A in Tianjin City from 1996 to 2005

Objective The present study was conducted to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and the incidence trend of hepatitis A in Tianjin City in order to provide basis for control and prevention in the future. Methods Descriptive epidemiological methods were adopted to analyze the data on the epidemic status of hepatitis A in Tianjin City from 1996 to 2005. Results The incidence of hepatitis A in Tianjin City decreased from 10.94/lakh in 1996 to 0.83/lakh in 2005. The average annual incidence in Jinhai County was 9.86/lakh that was the highest in Tianjin. Cases with hepatitis A occurred in every month of the whole year, and there were two peaks in spring and autumn. The top three occupations of incidence were students, farmers and workers. The average annual incidence in males and females were 5.09/lakh and 2.84/lakh respectively, and the incidence of males was all higher compared with females in all groups at different ages. In recent 10 years, the incidence of the group at the age of 1 to 14 decreased over 90%, and the average age of onset had been delayed for about 15 years. Conclusion In recent 10 years, the reported incidence of hepatitis A obviously descended in Tianjin City. From now on, the inoculation rate of hepatitis A vaccine in children should be enhanced further, and the prevention and control of hepatitis A for other key populations should also be done well.