[Human hydatidosis disease: general background and epidemiological situation in Chile, 2001-2009]

To characterize the epidemiology of human hydatidosis in Chile.

Data from the Mandatory Disease Notification System (2001-2009), hospital discharges (2001-2008), Deaths (2001-2008) and Years of Potential Life Lost (2001-2008) were analyzed.

The average incidence, according to the mandatory notification data, was 1.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (men 51.4%). Median age was 38 years. Hospital discharge rate for the period was 6.3 discharges per 100,000 inhabitants. The main diagnosis corresponded to B67.9 (Echinococcosis, other and unspecified). The average mortality rate was 0.2 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. The level of education of fatalities was mainly basic. There was a loss of 3.349 years of life due to the premature death of 235 people.

The incidence rates of cases reported, hospital discharges and mortality tend to decrease. There is a noteworthy discrepancy between reported cases and hospital discharges, which suggests underreporting. Improvement of the notification system and additional prevalence studies are required.