Analysis of the epidemic situation of chicken pox from 2005 to 2006 in China

Objective The present study was conducted to investigate the epidemic situation of chicken pox in China (Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan Area not included) for providing a scientific basis for the formulation of strategies for its control and prevention. Methods The methods of descriptive epidemiology were used to analyze the surveillance data on chicken pox form 2005 to 2006 in China. Results A total of 940 outbreaks of chicken pox, 97.87% of which occurred in schools, were reported from 2005 to 2006 in china. There were 197, 939 cases involved with 82.62% of them under 14 years of age. Conclusion Chicken pox has an obvious seasonal peak incidence with the population under 14 years of age most often affected and village primary schools being the main places of outbreaks. Varicella vaccination among the vulnerable population in the critical areas is the most effective measure for the control and prevention of chicken pox.