Characteristics of brucellosis related public health emergencies in China, 2006-2012

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics and responses of brucellosis related public health emergencies in China from 2006 to 2012 and provide scientific evidence for the early detection and prevention of this kind of public health emergency. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the related incidence of brucellosis related public health emergency obtained from national disease reporting information system. Results A total of 99 brucellosis related public health emergencies, involving 151 cases, were reported in the mainland of China during this period. The reports were mainly from the south east region. Thirty nine reports were from Shandong province and 10 from Jiangsu province. The events mainly occurred in family members (49 events) and during March-August. Among 126 cases reported, 119 were laboratory confirmed and 7 were clinical diagnosed, Famers were affected mostly. Symptomatic treatment was given in the response of 74 events and sampling/detection was done in the response of 56 events. Fifty three events were confirmed. Epidemiological survey, health education and disinfection were conducted during the response of the events. Conclusion The incidence of brucellosis related public health emergency increased with year in China, but no unified standard for the reporting and response of the events exists. It is necessary to develop appropriate brucellosis prevention and treatment strategies and conduct the risk assessment of brucellosis related public health emergency.