Analysis on incidence of shigellosis in rural area of Zhengding county in Hebei province

  Objective   To study the burden of shigellosis in Zhengding, Hebei province.

  Methods   In 2002, a population and treatment center-based surveillance targeted to treate diarrhea was conducted in Zhengding.Stool sample was collected from each consented diarrhea cases forShigetta'spp isolatiou.The incidence rates were calculated by age groups.To detect potential sequelae related to Shtgella infection, the confirmed shigellosis cases were followed-up in 90 days afterpresentation.

  Results   In 2002, the incidence of diarrhea in catchment area was 133/1 000/year.The highestincidence rate(1 388/1 000/year)was found in infants; the incidence was 618/1 000/yearin children under5 years of age.Shigella'spp was isolated from 331 diarrhea patients.The incidence rate was 414/1 000/year.The highestincidence rate was found in children of 3 to 4 years of age.Followed with incidence in people elderthan 60 years of age, which was 7/1000/yearo Fev-erand bloody stool were the mostimportant clinical characteristics of shigellosis.No Shigella infection related sequelae ordeath were found during study period.Significant relationships were found between incidence of shigetlosis, average temperature and rainfall.

  Conclusion   Compared with the noticeable infectious diseases report, tremendous disease burden of shigellosis was found in Zhengding.To control the epidemic of shigellosis, mass immunization targeted to children under5 years old and people eiderthan 60 years old should be considered.