Epidemiology of AIDS in Huzhou, Zhejiang, 1998-2012

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of AIDS in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, from 1998 to 2012,and provide evidence to take effective control measures. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analyssi was conducted on AIDS incidence data in Huzhou from 1998 to 2012. Results The first case of HIV infection was detected in 1998, and a total of 380 HIV infection cases had been reported by the end of 2012. The male to female ratio of the cases was 3.2:1. Sexual contact was the major transmission route(82.6%). Among the HIV infection cases, the majority(83.4%) were aged from 20 to 49 years old, 54.0% got married, 36.1% were local residents and 60.0% were from other provinces, Workers(including migrant workers)(31.8%) were affected mostly, followed by farmers(29.2%). About 79.3% of the HIV infection cases were with education level lower than middle school. The samples were mainly collected from preoperative tests in hospitals(24.4%). since 2007,sexual contact has become the major transmission route, while the proportion of drug injection transmission was in decline, the proportion of the transmission through male homosexual contacts increased significantly during past 3 years. Conclusion AIDS epidemic in Huzhou is in increase. Sexual contact has become the major transmission route of HIV, the HIV infection rate increased rapidlyamong men who have sex with men. AIDS education and HIV test should be strengthened. Early detection and treatment of HIV/AIDS cases should be conducted to control AIDS epidemic.