Plague epidemiology in natural plague foci in Yulong, Yunnan, 2005–2017

ObjectiveTo understand of plague epidemic trend in Yulong natural plague foci in Lijiang prefecture of Yunnan province during 2005–2017 and provide evidence for the prevention and control of plague in Yulong plague foci.

MethodsBy using descriptive epidemiological methods, we analyzed the time, population and area distributions and epidemic trend of animal and human plague in Yulong county and Gucheng district during this period.

ResultsDuring 2005–2017, plague epidemic was very active in Yulong plague foci distributed in the Luzi village of Nanxi village committee of Huangshan township in Yulong county, and Mushu village of Houshan village committee of Qihe township in Gucheng district. The epidemic and incidence peak mainly occurred during April-May. In the past 13 years, 13 epidemic foci in 8 plague epidemics were found, and in a human plague epidemic occurred in 2005, five pneumonic plague cases were diagnosed, including 2 deaths.

ConclusionSince the confirmation of Yulong plague foci, the plague epidemic in animals has been active and continuous. It is necessary to strengthen the surveillance for plague and make timely response to the animal epidemic to prevent the plague spread from animals to human.