Epidemiological characteristics of HCV infected children under 15 years of age, in Henan province from 2008 to 2013 / 中华流行病学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To describe the epidemiological characteristics and changing trend of HCV-related children in Henan province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data was analyzed based on the case-reporting records on hepatitis C from 2008 to 2013.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The number of reported cases and incidence of HCV-related children had increased annually from 2008 to 2012. The reported incidence on HCV-related children increased from 2.37 per 100 000 in 2008, to 3.23 per 100 000 in 2012, but it decreased to 1.77 per 100 000 in 2013. Reported cases on females increased annually. The 0-1 age group had the largest proportion but it decreased annually. Large cities as Zhengzhou, had high incidence, and the mobile population within the province also showed an annual increase, from 49.02% in 2008, to 59.77% in 2013. Time between onset and diagnosis(days) of the disease increased and the M and IQR from 2008 to 2013 appeared as 0(0-2), 0(0-2), 1(0-2), 1(0-3), 1(0-5) and 1(0-3).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The incidence of HCV-related children in Henan province showed an annual increase, along with the increasing trend of mobile population in the province as well as the longer time span between onset and diagnosis of the disease. It is suggested that strengthening the program on monitor, as well as on effective prevention and control measures be in place accordingly. Targets should also be focused on pregnant women, migrants, other key groups, so as to better perform on early detection and treatment.</p>