Epidemiological characteristics of syphilis in China, 1998-2007

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of syphilis in China from 1998 to 2007 and learn about the epidemiological trend of syphilis in different regions. MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed based on the epidemiological data of syphilis from 1998 to 2007. ResultsA total of 38 436 syphilis cases were reported in 1998 with the incidence rate of 3.07/lakh. The average annual incidence rate was 7.25/lakh. The incidence rate increased year by year, which became faster in recent years. A total of 217 473 syphilis cases were reported in 2007 with the incidence rate of 15.88/lakh, which was 5.17 folds more than that in 1998 and at the fourth among the class A and B notifiable infectious diseases in China, the first three provincial areas with higher incidence rate were Shanghai, Zhejiang and Guangxi. ConclusionThe incidence of syphilis and other STDs is high in China, especially in some developed provinces and northwest and southwest provinces bordering with other countries. Comprehensive control and prevention measures have been taken in China.