Abstract: Objective The present investigation was designed to know the epidemic characteristics of hepatitis A from 1997 to 2002 ln Henan province to provide a basis for lts prevention and treatment Methods Descriptive epidemiological study were adopted to analyze the data of epidemic situation from 1997 through 2002 in Henan province Results it was found that the mean annual incidence of hepati tis A during 1997-2002 was 9.87/100,000 with Xingyang city having the highest incidence(20.01/100,000) it decreased year by year it was seen that the epidemic peaked in summer and Autumn (38.04％) with peasants as the main population affected and the ratio of male to female being 1.76:1 Chil dren and adolescence under 15 years of age were more susceptible to the disease Conclusion Measures for the prevention and treatment of the epidetmic involve inoculating children of the right age and high risk population with hepatitis A vaccine to improve their immunity to the epidemic and strengthening health education and food hygiene management