Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics and infection route of brucellosis in children in Jinan, Shandong province, and provide evdence for the improvement of brucellosis prevention and control.

Methods The epidemiological data and case investigation data of brucellosis in Jinan from 2012 to 2023 were collected for a statistical and descriptive analysis.

Results From 2012 to 2023, a total of 44 cases of brucellosis in children were reported in Jinan, in whom 25 were boys and 19 were girls, the male to female ratio was 1.32:1. The annual average incidence rate was 0.05/100000, and there was significant difference among the annual incidence rate（χ²=30.439, P=0.001）. The annual incidence peaked during spring-summer. The youngest case was 1 years old, and the oldest case was 14 years old. The cases in age group 6 - years accounted for 47.73% (21/44), indictiong a high incidence. All the districts and counties reported cases, with more cases reported in Shanghe and Licheng, accounting for 36.59% (15/44) and 24.39% (10/44) respectively, the majority of the cases were from rural area, accounting for 88.36% (38/44). The main infection routes were direct contact or respiratory transmission, accounting for 77.27% (34/44), and dietary transmission accounted for 20.45% (9/44). The clinical symptoms were mainly fever, muscle sore, fatigue, and hyperhidrosis, the median of interval between onset and diagnosis was 12 (7, 30) days.

Conclusion Brucellosis cases in children were dsitributed in all counties (district) in Jinan, especially in rural area. The incidence was high in some areas, seasons and age groups The main infection routes included direct contact and respiratory transmission. The interval between onset and diagnosis was long. It is necessary to strengthen the brucellosis prevention and control in key areas and improve health education and medical stff training.