Surveillance for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Quzhou, Zhejiang, 2005-2012

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Quzhou, Zhejiang province. Methods The analysis was conducted on surveillance data of HFRS in Quzhou from 2005 to 2012. Results A total of 424 HFRS cases, including 2 deaths, were reported during this period. The average annual incidence was 2.28/lakh and the case fatality was 0.47%. The incidence declined by year. Most cases were aged 30-69 years (85.38%). The cases in farmers accounted for 79.95%. The male to female ratio of the cases was 2.50:1. Incidence peaks were in summer and in winter. The highest incidence was found in Kaihua mountain area. Rattus norvegicus was the predominant indoor host animal (57.39%), and Apodemus agrarians was the predominant outdoor host animal (76.04%). The hantavirus carrying rate was 2.02% in rodents, and the serum antibody positive rate of hantavirus in rats was 4.35%. Conclusion HFRS epidemic area with Apodemus as predominant host animal exists in Quzhou. It is still necessary to strengthen HFES surveillance, deratization and vaccine immunization.