Epidemiology of syphilis in Huzhou during 2004 - 2008 and prevention and control strategy

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of syphilis in Huzhou and provide evidence to develop prevention and control strategy. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the data of syphilis epidemic in Huzhou obtained from the disease surveillance information reporting system. Results The incidence of syphilis increased from 23.79/lakh in 2004 to 88.95/lakh in 2008, the average annual increase was 39.06%.The average annual incidence of syphilis in Anji county (66.75/lakh) was much higher than other counties, and the average annual increase was 70.95%. Most cases were primary and secondary syphilis and latent syphilis, accounting for 96.72%. Latent syphilis and congenital syphilis showed rapid increase during the five years. More cases occurred among females than among males with the gender ratio of 0.90 ∶ 1. The sexual active adults aged 20 to 39 years were affected seriously, the cases among them accounted for 54.27%. The mostly affected population was farmers, the cases among them accounted for 45.37%. Conclusion The incidence of syphilis increased in Huzhou, it is necessary to strengthen the prevention and control of syphilis by effective intervention measures.