Epidemiologic characteristics of dengue fever in foreigner population in China, 2005–2017

ObjectiveTo understand the epidemiological characteristics of dengue fever in foreigner population in China between 2005 and 2017 and provide evidence for the improvement of dengue fever prevention and control.

MethodsA descriptive epidemiologic study of dengue fever in the foreigner population in China from 2005 to 2017 was conducted by using data from National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting System to understand the demographic characteristics, temporal and spatial distributions of dengue fever cases in foreigners The epidemiologic characteristics of dengue fever in foreigners between Yunnan and other provinces were compared.

ResultsFrom 2005 to 2017, a total of 2 106 cases of dengue fever were reported in foreigners in China, accounting for 3.08% of total dengue fever cases. The number of cases showed an ascending trend, with a peak in 2017. The areas reporting dengue fever cases in foreigners also expanded. Yunnan province had the highest number of the cases (1 751), accounting for 83.14% of the total, followed by Guangdong province (140 cases, 6.65%). Most dengue fever cases in foreigners in Yunnan were imported from Myanmar. The demographic characteristics, the sources of these dengue fever cases and the incidence trend between Yunnan and other provinces were different.

ConclusionThe dengue fever cases in foreigners have great influence on dengue fever epidemics in China in recent years, especially in Yunnan. It is necessary to strengthen the cooperation with neighboring countries to improve the prevention and control of dengue fever, and conduct the surveillance, screening and treatment of dengue fever in foreigners in key areas.