Epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis C in Henan province, 2004-2012

Objective To describe epidemiological characteristics and changing trend of hepatitis C in Henan province.Methods Data analysis was performed based on the case-reporting data of hepatitis C from 2004 to 2012.Results The number of reported cases and incidence of hepatitis C increased annually during the period.The hepatitis C cases reported increased from 5 146 in 2004 to 41 317 in 2012 and the reported incidence of hepatitis C increased from 5.31 per 100 000 in 2004 to 44.01 per 100 000 in 2012,with an annual increase of female cases.The age distribution of the reported hepatitis C concentrated to the ages of 40-64 years and the proportion of the reported cases aged 40-64 years increased annually from 42.87% in 2004 to 60.95% in 2012.There appeared an increasing trend in reported incidence of hepatitis C in Henan province,with most of the higher reported incidences in Zhengzhou city and its surrounding cities.Conclusion The reported number and incidence of hepatitis C virus infection increased annually in Henan province,suggesting monitoring program needs to be strengthened in key areas and populations.