Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal clustering of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in Maanshan, Anhui province, from 2013 to 2022 and provide evidence for the development of comprehensive prevention and control strategies and intervention measures in key areas.
Methods The incidence data of SFTS in Maanshan during this period were obtained from Chinese Disease Control and Prevention System for an epidemiological analysis, and spatial autocorrelation analysis and spatiotemporal scanning statistical analysis were conducted.
Results From 2013 to 2022, a total of 286 cases of SFTS were reported in Maanshan, including 32 deaths. The annual average reported incidence was 1.27/100 000 with an annual percent change of 28.95% (95% confidence interval: 18.33%–40.51%, P＜0.01), and the average case fatality rate was 11.19%. The annual incidence peak of SFTS occurred during April-October. The median age of the cases was 66 years (56, 73), the cases aged ≥45 years accounted for 91.96%. The incidence was higher in women (1.43/100 000) than in men (1.11/100 000) (χ2=4.470, P=0.030). The cases in farmers accounted for 84.27%. Global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that spatial clustering existed in the annual incidence of SFTS (all P＜0.05). Local spatial autocorrelation analysis and spatiotemporal scanning statistical analysis showed that “high-high” clustering areas were mainly in some townships in Hanshan county, and there were 4 spatiotemporal clustering areas from 2021 to 2022.
Conclusion The incidence of SFTS in Maanshan showed an upward trend with seasonal and spatiotemporal clustering, and middle-aged and elderly farmers were mainly affected. It is suggested to effectively carry out disease surveillance and management in key populations during the epidemic season, and develop comprehensive prevention and control strategies in key areas to effectively control the epidemic of SFTS.
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