Epidemiology of viral hepatitis C in Qinghai, 2013−2017

ObjectiveTo understand the epidemiological characteristics of viral hepatitis C in Qinghai province from 2013 to 2017.

MethodsDescriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted by using the incidence data of hepatitis C collected from National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System.

ResultsA total of 10 989 cases of hepatitis C were reported from 2013 to 2017. The annual reported incidence rate was 37.67/100 000, the male to female ratio of the cases was 1.18∶1. The cases were reported in all age groups, but the cases in age group 40- years accounted for 42.17%, and the disease mainly reported in Xining, Haidong and Yushu. The cases were mainly reported by medical institutions at provincial level, accounting for 69.53%. The disease occurred all the year round with no obvious seasonality.

ConclusionThe incidence of hepatitis C was stable in Qinghai in recent years, but the incidence level was higher than other provinces. It is necessary to strengthen the prevention and control of hepatitis C.