Epidemiology of pulmonary tuberculosis in floating population in Ningbo, Zhejiang, 2005-2011

Objective understand the epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in floating population in Ningbo from 2005 to 2011. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the incidence data of pulmonary TB in floating population in Ningbo during this period. Results A total of 14 077 active pulmonary TB cases were registered and the case number increased year by year. The register rate of new smear positive cases decreased in recent 3 years. Among the new smear positive TB cases, the proportions in January, February and December were low. The cases were mainly distributed in age group 15-44 years. The case proportion in migrant workers decreased with year, but the proportion in people engaged in household service and the unemployed increased. Conclusion The detection level of TB cases was high and stable in Ningbo. The prevention and control of TB should be emphasized in floating population according to its epidemiological characteristics in Ningbo.