Epidemic analysis of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Longquan, Zhejiang

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiologic characteristics and prevalence of human hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Longquan city, Zhejiang province for the last 35 years. MethodsThe reports of HFRS outbreaks in Longquan in the last 35 years were derived for analysis of geographic distribution, patterns and prevalence. ResultsThe first case of HFRS was reported in Longquan city in 1974. From 1974 to 2008, a total of 1742 cases were reported in Longquan, including 20 deaths. The annual incidence rate reached 51.16/lakh in 1998, ranked the second highest among infectious diseases and the first in respect of the mortality rate. The reported number of cases declined despite fluctuations since 1999, the annual incidence rate ranging from 11.15/lakh to 23.26/lakh. Nonetheless, the number of deaths still accounted for 30.00% of the total reported number of deaths over the same period, ranking the second. ConclusionHFRS is a key infectious disease, of which the prevention and control is mostly desired. However, serious epidemic was present in the low plain areas of Longquan in recent years with altering seasonal distribution.