Epidemiological characteristics and outbreak analysis of varicella in Huai’an City in 2013-2022 / 公共卫生与预防医学

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of varicella in Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province from 2013-2022, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating effective prevention and control strategies for varicella in Huai'an City. Methods Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the data of 2013-2022 varicella cases in Huai'an City from China Disease Prevention and Control Information System and the varicella epidemic data from the public health emergency reporting management information system. Results A total of 32 325 varicella cases were reported during 2013-2022. The overall incidence rate showed an upward trend, with an obvious seasonal high incidence in winter and spring. The incidence rate in the central urban areas of all districts and counties was relatively higher. The ratio of male to female in reported cases was 1.161. The most cases were people aged 5-9 years old, accounting for 39.43% of the total number of cases. In terms of occupational distribution, students predominated, accounting for 54.77% of the total number of cases. From 2013 to 2022, a total of 70 public health outbreaks of varicella were reported in Huai'an, with the majority (45) occurring in primary schools, accounting for 64.29% of the total. Conclusion After the introduction of varicella into the national planned immunization program in 2023, it is recommended to increase the publicity of vaccination, carry out universal vaccination of varicella vaccine for high-risk groups such as students, and particularly increase the second dose coverage of varicella vaccine.