[Human hydatidosis in Valdivia, Chile: retrospective survey at the Valdivia Regional Hospital. 1987-1991].

A retrospective hospital survey of surgically confirmed cases of hydatidosis in the province of Valdivia was carried out. Data were provided by the Valdivia Regional Hospital and a five year (1987-1991) period was covered. Morbidity, mortality and case fatality rates were calculated. Descriptive epidemiological characteristics of the disease were determined. In the period studied, 137 new cases were registered. The incidence rate for the period was 9.1 per 100,000 inhabitants. The mortality rate was 0.2 per 100,000 inhabitants and the average fatality rate was 2.2%. The over-all sex distribution was 51.8% for females and 48.2% for males. The age group 10-19 years was the most affected by the disease (30.7%). The distribution according to activity revealed a higher proportion of house-wives (29.2%) and students (23.2%) with the disease. Hydatidosis was more frequent in Valdivia (23.4%), Panguipulli (17.5%) and La Unión (15.5%) and in patients from rural areas (73.7%).