Epidemiological characteristics of varicella in Chongqing,China,2014-2021

Background:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of varicella epidemics in Chongqing Municipality from 2014 to 2021,and to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of varicella prevention and control measures.Methods:Data on the incidence of varicella outbreaks and vaccination data in Chongqing from 2014 to 2021 were collected through the China Disease Control and Prevention Information System and statistically analyzed using descriptive epidemiological methods.Results:From 2014 to 2021,213,715 cases of varicella were reported in Chongqing Municipality,with an average annual incidence rate of 86.26/100,000,with a statistically significant difference(χ^(2)=24,972.069,P<0.001);varicella incidence is seasonal,with peaks in May/June and October/December each year,presenting a“double-peak distribution”.The average annual incidence rate of varicella in municipal districts was 90.74/100,000,which was higher than that of counties 69.62/100,000 and autonomous counties 84.04/100,000;the average annual incidence rate of varicella in males was 89.37/100,000,and in females,82.22/100,000,with the difference not being statistically significant;the age of onset of the disease was mainly in the group of people under 15 years of age,with a total of 190,021 cases reported(88.9%),with 5-9 years old(35.7%)as the high incidence age group.The incidence occupation was dominated by students in 133,733 cases(62.6%).Conclusion:The overall varicella epidemic in Chongqing is on the rise,and has obvious seasonal,regional and population distribution characteristics.The prevention and control of varicella epidemic should be strengthened,the publicity of varicella vaccine should be increased,and it is recommended that varicella vaccine should be included in the national immunization program.