Surveillance for anthrax in Yunnan, 2010-2013

Objective To understand the incidence pattern of anthrax, evaluate the risk of epidemic in Yunnan province and provide evidence for the prevention and control of anthrax. Methods The incidence data of anthrax in Yunnan were collected to establish case database for analysis. Results The incidence of anthrax was stable and no outbreak occurred in recent years. A total of 57 cases occurred in 13 previous endemic areas. The disease mainly occurred in summer and autumn which are hot, wet and rainy. Most cases were adult farmers, more males were affected than females. All the cases were cutaneous anthrax. The laboratory confirmed cases accounted for 14.03%, the awareness rate of anthrax related knowledge was 35.09% among the people in endemic areas and the rate of timely medical care seeking was 45.61%. Up to 96.49% of the cases were infected through contact of sick or dead livestock when they had cuts on skin. Conclusion Anthrax endemic areas have existed for long time in Yunnan, and the awareness of anthrax related knowledge was poor among the people in these areas. The risk of outbreak was high. There is possibility of outbreak or local outbreak of other type anthrax. It is necessary to strengthen anthrax surveillance and related health education, improve laboratory detection capacity and conduct comprehensive prevention and control.