[Epidemiological characteristic of Varicella and Varicella-Zoster virus genotype in Minhang District of Shanghai].

Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristic of varicella, and to find out the genotype of the prevalent Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) in Minhang, Shanghai. Analysis was carried out during Nov. 2007 to Apr 2008.
Methods: The data collected from the National Diseases Reporting Management System (NDRS) and Provincial Disease Surveillance Point System (DSP). Samples from herpes of patients were also collected to isolate VZV in Vero and Vero-E6 cell lines, then to detected if cytopathic effect (CPE) by PCR, and finally to identify the genotype by sequence analysis.
Results: 29 outbreaks of 271 cases occurred in Minhang during Nov. 2007 to Apr. 2008, and attack rate was 0.42% in average. Among the cases, 37 (13.65%) had vaccinated before getting varicella. Most cases occurred in November and December, and clustered in some areas with population migrant frequently. 2 VZV strains were isolated and identified as genotype J.
Conclusion: The prevalence of varicella in Minhang was serious. The varicella prevention and control among schools and kindergartens should be strengthened by propaganda and vaccination.