OBJECTIVETo understand the epidemiological features of viral hepatitis, and provide scientific evidence for developing strategies for prevention and control.

METHODSThrough descriptive epidemiological methodology, the epidemiological characteristics of 1121 viral hepatitis cases in Chongwen District (1997-2006) were studied. chi2-test was used in ratio comparison.

RESULTSThere were 1121 viral hepatitis cases occurring in the past decade, and the incidence rate was declining by year with the average of 27.10/ 100,000. Of which, the incidence rate of viral hepatitis B was the highest (13.90/ 100,000), viral hepatitis C (1.38/100,000) was the lowest. The proportion of viral hepatitis B was the highest (575, 51.29%) and viral hepatitis C (57, 5.08%) was the lowest. The incidence of viral hepatitis A, B and no-typing was declining year by year, while viral hepatitis C and E was climbing. Most viral hepatitis A and E cases occurred in Spring and Winter, and the difference of incidence rate between male and female was observed (chi2 = 188.39, P < 0.001). The findings also showed that viral hepatitis might occur in all kind of occupation, but most were workers (306, 27.3%) and officers (209, 18.64%). For the age distribution, 20 -49 years old group took the majority (749, 66.82%); and for the transmission route, blood transfusion (7.64/ 100,000) was significantly higher than fecal-oral route (3.02/ 100,000) (chi2 = 5.09, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONIt is necessary to raise and increase the public awareness for viral hepatitis prevention and control, and enhance immunization. Moreover, effective measures should be taken to the safety of blood and blood products, and to prevent nosocomial infection.