Epidemiology of influenza in Shihezi, Xinjiang,2009-2014

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of influenza in Shihezi from 2009 to 2014 and provide evidence for the prevention and control of influenza. Methods The influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance data and influenza virus detection data in Shihezi during this period were collected. Chi-squared test was conducted to analyze the surveillance and virus detection results. Results A total of 23 036 ILI cases were detected among the 793 920 outpatients seeking medical care in sentinel hospital (2.90%) during this period, The ILI cases in age group15 years accounted for 60.68%. The incidence peak of ILI was during October-February. Among 1788 pharyngeal swabs detected, 255 were positive (14.26%). The differences in annual virus detection rate were statistical significant (2=42.00,P 0.001). The predominant virus varied with year. Conclusion The incidence of influenza was high during winter-spring in Shihezi. It is necessary to conduct targeted influenza prevention and control in age group15 years according to the detection results of influenza virus activity.