Objective To systematically analyze the integrated surveillance data of hepatitis C (HC) in Shanghai and provide a scientific basis for the elimination of HC.

Methods  The reported HC cases, hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes, and sentinel surveillance data were collected based on the integrated HC surveillance work in Shanghai from 2020 to 2023. The incidence trend, distribution, HCV genotypes, and high-risk/key populations of HC in Shanghai were analyzed.

Results The reported incidences of acute and chronic HC in Shanghai from 2020 to 2023 were 0.04/100 000 and 6.93/100 000, respectively. The reported chronic cases were mainly males, middle-aged and elderly people, and downtown residents. Genotypes 1b (40.36%), 3b (14.80%), 3a (11.43%), 6a (10.09%), and 6n (6.05%) were the principal subtypes of HCV. The HCV antibody-positive rate in drug users, family members of HC patients, and people who died of liver disease were 31.88%, 10.00%, and 6.00%, respectively, which were significantly higher than that in other high-risk/key populations. The departments of hepatology (4.79%), traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture and moxibustion (2.53%), general outpatient (1.85%), hemodialysis (1.58%), and infectious diseases (1.41%) were the key departments of medical institutions with higher HCV-antibody positive rates.

Conclusions HC was low-epidemic in Shanghai from 2020 to 2023, with higher infection rates observed among drug users and family members of HC patients. Optimization of the integrated surveillance system for HC is of great value for understanding the epidemiological characteristics, infection status of high-risk/key populations, rational allocation of medical and health resources, and promoting the elimination of HC.