Factors for plague epidemic in Haiyuan county,Ningxia Hui Autonmous Region

Objective　To investigate the features of plague epidemics in Haiyuan county and provide the scientific evidence for the plague prevention and treatment. Methods　Epidemiological data on human plague in Haiyuan county was collected, and the descriptive analysis was conducted on the data of investigation and surveillance on animal plague during 1963-2007. Results　Two epidemic of human pneumonic plague epidemic occurred in Haiyuan in history, the latest one was in 1962. Cases distributed in certain areas of Haiyuan with a fatality rate of 100%. Several animal plague epidemics occurred during the past decades. A total of 131 strains of IYersinia pestis/I were detected, and 309 positive serum samples were identified. A single-peak curve was observed as for the annual prevalence. Conclusion　The major risk factor of human plague prevalence was contact with animals in the foci and the patients with pneumonic plague, which were not managed in a timely manner. Therefore, comprehensive prevention and control measures shall be performed based on the epidemiological characteristics of plague.