Varicella epidemiology in China, 2007

ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence of varicella in China (except Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Regions and Taiwan area) and provide the scientific evidence for varicella prevention and control. MethodsThe data of varicella cases and outbreaks reported in 2007 in China were analyzed by descriptive epidemiology. ResultsA total of 268 845 varicella cases were reported in 2007, and the cases among the people aged 14 years accounted for 80.2% of the total cases. A total of 1112 varicella outbreaks were reported, and most outbreaks (99.7%) occurred in schools. ConclusionThe incidence of varicella had 2 obvious seasonal peaks, and most cases occurred among the people less than 14 years old. The varicella outbreaks were prone to occur in primary schools in rural area and mainly affected the people aged 50 years. Vaccination among vulnerable population in risk area might be the effective way for the prevention and control of varicalla.