Analysis of epidemiology of syphilis in Zhejiang province, 1998-2007

Objective　The study was conducted to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and trends of syphilis in Zhejiang province from 1998 to 2007. Methods　The surveillance data of syphilis epidemic from 1998 to 2007 were collected and analyzed. Results　From 1998 to 2007, a total of 131 408 syphilis cases were reported in Zhejiang province; the incidence increased from 12.49/lakh in 1998 to 58.88/lakh in 2007, the average annual increment was 18.80%. Latent syphilis and congenital syphilis presented with obviously increased incidence in recent years. More cases occurred among female than among male with the gender ratio of 0.78∶1. 20 to 39 years old adults who were sexual active were affected seriously, and the high risk groups were farmers, workers and jobless people. Extra marital sexual activities constituted a major transmission route. Conclusion　The incidence of syphilis increased in Zhejiang, therefore, corresponding prevention and control strategies are required to control the epidemic of syphilis.