Epidemiology of 67 scrub typhus cases in Beijing

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of 67 scrub typhus cases in Beijing. Methods The analysis was conducted on the temporal-spatial distributions of 67 scrub typhus cases in Beijing with SPSS software. Results As of October 2010, a total of 67 cases of scrub typhus were reported, Most cases were farmers (73.1%) with the mean age of 5214 years. The male to female ratio of the cases was 1 ∶ 1. Up to 92.5% of the cases were local people who lived in Pinggu districts in Beijing. The affected area in pinggu were in expansion in recent 3 years. Conclusion The incidence of scrub typhus peaks in October in Beijing, and the incidence had increased for 3 consecutive years. It is suggested to conduct population based serological surveillance of scrub typhus, establish host animal and trombiculid mite surveillance system and conduct health education among high risk population in Beijing to minimize the risk of scrub typhus epidemic.