Analysis of Epidemic Characteristics and Trend of Hepatitis C in Weifang from 2005 to 2024
Liu Xiaoqin
Cheng Fang
Wang Jie
Zhang Nana
Song Mingming
Zhao Huili
Abstract：OBJECTIVE To investigate the epidemiological trends and high-risk population distribution of hepatitis C in Weifang from 2005 to 2024,and provide evidence-based data support for optimizing regional prevention and control strategies.METHODS It systematically collected annual reported cases of hepatitis C and related demographic data from the China Disease Control and Prevention Information System.Descriptive epidemiological methods were employed to analyze the epidemiological profile of hepatitis C,including its temporal,spatial,and population distributions.RESULTS From 2005 to 2024,a total of 2 309 cases of hepatitis C were cumulatively diagnosed in Weifang,with 150 all-cause deaths(among which 27 cases were related to hepatitis C).The incidence rate increased from 0.27/105 population in 2005 to 1.47/105 population in 2024,with an average annual growth rate of 5.00%.There was no significant seasonal fluctuation pattern.Gaomi(3.84/105),Hanting District(3.77/105),and Qingzhou(3.24/105)had the top three incidence rates in the whole city.The male-to-female ratio of the cases was 1.22∶1,and the cases were mainly concentrated in the population aged 35 to 74 years(1 824 cases,80.00%).In the age groups of 0 to 19 years,40 to 59 years,and 60 years and above,the number of male cases was higher than that of female cases,while in the age group of 20 to 39 years,the number of female cases was higher than that of male cases from 2005 to 2024.The number of male cases in the age group of 0 to 19 years showed a downward trend,the number of male cases in the age group of 40 to 59 years showed an upward trend,and the number of female cases in the age group of 60 years and above showed an upward trend.Farmers(1 394 cases,60.37%),retired personnel(238 cases,10.31%),and housewives and unemployed people(218 cases,9.44%)constituted the main sources of the cases.CONCLUSION Despite maintaining an overall low-prevalence status of hepatitis C in Weifang from 2005 to 2024,the persistent upward trend in reported cases highlights a growing risk of potential transmission.Middle-aged and elderly populations,agricultural workers,homemakers,and unemployed individuals constitute the core populations bearing the disease burden.It is recommended to establish a hierarchical prevention and control framework,implementing precision interventions targeting high-risk geographic regions,high-risk settings,and key population groups to effectively curb the spread of the epidemic.
Keywords：Hepatitis Cepidemic trendWeifang
Publication Date：2025-10-10
Online Publishing Date：2025-11-13(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：4( 31-34 )