Epidemiological characteristics of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and control measure evaluation in Lingbao, Henan province

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and evaluate the control measures.Methods The data of HFRS epidemic in Lingbao from 1986 to 2008 were collected to conduct descriptive epidemiological analysis.Deratization/rat-proofing, vaccination, health education were conducted and their effects were evaluated.Results A total of 383 cases of HFRS were reported, including 10 deaths, during this period.The incidence rate in 2003was highest (8.28/lakh), and no cases was reported in 2007.The average annual incidence rate was 0.67/lakh from 1986 to 1997 and was 6.19/lakh from 1998 to 2004.Since the implementation of deratization and vaccination in 2005, the rat densities inside and outside house have decreased to 1.54% and 1.21%, the vaccination coverage rate has reached 36.45%.The average annual incidence rate of HFRS declined to 0.70/lakh during 2005-2008.Conclusion Health education about HFRS prevention and control, vaccination for high risk population and deraization in autumn have played important role in reducing the incidence of HFRS in Lingbao.