Analysis of Epidemiological Characteristics of Varicella in a Suburban Area of Pudong New District, Shanghai from 2011 to 2022: A Retrospective Study

Abstract Objective To understand the incidence of varicella in a suburban area of Pudong New District, Shanghai, and provide a scientific basis for relevant prevention and control work. Methods Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to describe and analyze all reported varicella cases with the residential address in a suburban area from 2011 to 2022. SPSS software was used for statistical processing, and the chi -square test was used for the comparison of rates. Results A total of 1,708 varicella cases were reported in a suburban area from 2011 to 2022, with an average incidence rate of 107.72 per 100,000. The incidence showed obvious seasonal changes, presenting a “bimodal distribution”, with peaks from May to July and in November. The onset age was concentrated in the 1 - 14 age group, accounting for 54.27% of all cases. The affected population was mainly students (accounting for 37.30%), kindergarten children (accounting for 15.11%) and scattered children (accounting for 13.00%), and there were more males than females. Conclusion Students and kindergarten children are the key populations for varicella prevention and control. Epidemic monitoring should be strengthened during the peak incidence season every year, and the work of varicella vaccination and booster vaccination should be improved to comprehensively reduce the incidence of varicella.