Epidemiology of notifiable sexually transmitted diseases in Lin’an in Zhejiang province,2004-2010

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of notifiable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Lin'an and discuss the prevention and treatment strategy. Methods The incidence data of STDs in Linan from 2004 to 2010 were collected from national disease reporting information system to conduct descriptive epidemiological analysis on the incidence trend of STDs. Results From 2004 to 2010, the overall incidence of STDs in Lin'an was an increase, the incidences of syphilis and HIV/AIDS increased rapidly, but the incidence of gonorrhea was in decrease. The incidence of STDs in urban area was higher than in rural area. More males were affected by gonorrhea and HIV/AIDS than females, but more females were affected by syphilis than males. Most cases occurred in age group of 20-49 years, but males aged 60 years were at higher risk in recent years. Most cases were farmers and workers. Conclusion Gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS were the major STDs in Linan, but their epidemiological characteristics were different. From 2004 to 2010, the incidences of syphilis, HIV/AIDS increased rapidly, indicating necessity of strengthening the health education and surveillance and taking comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the incidence of syphilis and control the HIV/AIDS epidemic.