ObjectiveTo understand the epidemiological characteristics of syphilis in Songjiang District of Shanghai from 2007 to 2017, and provide evidence for further improvement in the prevention and control measures.

MethodsDescriptive analysis was performed on the syphilis case data in Songjiang District from 2007 to 2017.

ResultsIn 2007-2017, a total of 8 546 cases of syphilis were reported in Songjiang District, with an average annual incidence of 48.23/100 000.The overall incidence showed a U-shaped upward trend, with the highest incidence in 2016 (68.17/100 000);the average annual incidence decreased by 6.13/100 000 from 2007 to 2010, whereas increased by 5.64/100 000 from 2011 to 2017.Syphilis was characterized as follows:1) The epidemic was dominated by the cases with local household registration, latent syphilis (51.84%), reported in June-September, aged 20-59 years (81.24%).The cases in the age group over 60 years showed a significant upward trend.2) In the local syphilis cases, there were more men than women, and the sex ratio was 1.3 : 1 (especially the sex ratio in the stage 1 and stage 2 syphilis was 1.73 : 1).In the foreign cases from other provinces, there were less men than women, and the sex ratio was 0.6 : 1. 3) In the primary syphilis cases, there were more men (35.50%) than women (20.98%), while more female cases in the latent syphilis and secondary syphilis cases.Local primary and secondary cases were mainly in the age group of 30 to 59 years (59.06%).The cases from other provinces were mainly 20 to 49 years old (85.24%).

ConclusionThe incidence of syphilis in Songjiang District is increasing.As primary syphilis are more likely to be male and young adults, we should strength the surveillance, establish standardized diagnosis and treatment of syphilis, advocate sexually transmitted diseases prevention and treatment and safe sexual behavior, and also promote active screening in women and the elderly for further control of syphilis.