Epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of brucellosis in Shandong, 2016−2020

  Objective  To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatial clustering of brucellosis in Shandong province from 2016 to 2020, and provide evidence for effective prevention and control of brucellosis.

  Methods  Based on the surveillance data of brucellosis in Shandong from 2016 to 2020, global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis methods were used to analyze the incidence data of brucellosis in Shandong from 2016 to 2020 by using software ArcGIS 10.8.

  Results  A total of 14 621 cases of human brucellosis were reported in Shandong from 2016 to 2020, with an average annual incidence of 293/100 000. There were 10 438 cases in men and 4 183 cases in women. The age of the cases was 40−59 years. The Moran's I index of the reported incidence of brucellosis in Shandong from 2016 to 2020 were 0.217, 0.154, 0.252, 0.290 and 0.315, respectively (P<0.001), suggesting spatial clustering. The results of local spatial autocorrelation showed that the “high-high” clusters were mainly in the northern and central Shandong, consistent with the high incidence areas. Low-low cluster areas were mainly in Qingdao, Yantai, Weihai and other eastern coastal areas and part of western Shandong.

  Conclusion  The incidence of brucellosis in Shandong showed a decreasing trend from 2016 to 2020. There was a positive spatial correlation and obvious spatial clustering of brucellosis incidence in different areas. The high clustering areas were mainly distributed in the central and northern Shandong, where the prevention and control of brucellosis should be strengthened.