Self-reported disease burden of acute gastroenteritis in Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou area in Zhejiang

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of acute gastroenteritis in Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou area in Zhejiang province. Methods The household interview about the incidence, symptoms and treatment of acute gastroenteritis was conducted among the people selected by multi stage sampling in the area during July-September 2010. Results Totally 2399 people were surveyed. The average monthly prevalence of acute gastroenteritis was 7.0% (95% CI:5.9%-8.0%) and the incidence was 0.23 time/person. The weighted average monthly prevalence was 8.7% (95% CI:7.6%-9.8%) and the weighted incidence was 0.29 time/person. It is estimated that 4.601 million cases of acute gastroenteritis occurred during this period. Among the cases in survey, 55.7% sought medical care, and 28.0% of these cases sent stool samples for detection, 52.0% of the cases took antibiotics and 11.4% reported work/school absence due to the illness. The monthly prevalence in children less than 5 years old was 14.8%. Conclusion The disease burden of acute gastroenteritis was heavy in Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou area during July-September 2010. The children aged 5 years are high risk population. The incidence of acute gastroenteritis can be reduced by targeted prevention and control measures.