Epidemiological analysis of viral hepatitis B in Zhejiang, 1991 - 2007

Objective To determine the epidemiological characteristics of viral hepatitis B in Zhejiang from 1991 to 2007. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis of the epidemic data, quality survey and other materials relating to viral hepatitis B in Zhejiang from 1991 to 2007 was applied. Results With rising incidence of reported hepatitis B cases, people aged 20-40 years constituted 66.43% of the victims. Farmers, as the major affected occupation, accounted for 44.42%, with an annually increasing incidence among this population. From 2005 to 2007, with a downward trend in the incidence of reported acute viral hepatitis B cases, children younger than 15 years demonstrated noticeably lower incidence than adults above this age. The diagnostic accordance in medical institutions of all levels was unfavorably 49.11%. Conclusion In view of the grim picture regarding the prevention and control of viral hepatitis B in Zhejiang, positive prevention-based comprehensive control measures should be taken in conjunction with specific approaches to improve the report quality of the disease.