Epidemiology of Japanese encephalitis in Hefei,2000 - 2009

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of Japanese encephalitis(JE)in Hefei before and after the implementation Expanded Programme on Immunization(EPI), and provide scientific evidence for the better prevention and control of JE and the improvement of the programme. Methods The descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the data of JE in Hefei from 2000 to 2009. Results A total of 242 JE cases occurred in Hefei from 2000 to 2009, more cases occurred in rural area than in urban area. The reported incidence had declined obviously since 2005. The cases mainly distributed in Changfeng county(96), Feidong county(94)and Feixi county(22), which accounted for 87.60% of the total, and 30 cases occurred in Hefei city(12.40%). The cases mainly occurred in age group of 0-6 yeas(64.88%). The cases among the persons without vaccination history or with unknown vaccination history accounted for 67.77%(164). Up to 236 cases occurred during July-August(97.52%). Conclusion JE cases occurred still mainly among rural population, most cases were without vaccination history. The inclusion of JE vaccine into EPI had improved the control of the disease.