Epidemiology of rodent-borne diseases in coastal area in southern Zhejiang

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of rodent-borne diseases, such as plague, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and leptospirosis, in coastal area (Wenzhou) of southern Zhejiang province and provide evidence for the prevention and control of rodent borne diseases. Methods The incidence data of rodent-borne diseases in Wenzhou from 2004 to 2012 were collected and analyzed with software excel 2003. Results The coastal area in southern Zhejiang was endemic area of rodent-borne diseases, plague, hemorrhagic fever and leptospirosis were reported during the past 6 decades. A total of 165 cases of rodent-borne diseases were reported from 2004 to 2012,including 113 HFRS cases, 3 leptospirosis cases, 49 scrub typhus cases. No plague cases were reported due to its silent period. The incidence of HFRS began to increase gradually in 2011. Leptospirosis was first reported in 1960 s, the incidence once reached 445/lakh but it has declined since 1980 s. Scrub typhus has been reported since 1950 s, and the incidence increased recently. Sixteen species of rodents have been discovered since 1984, the predominant species were Rattus norvegicus, Suncus murinus and Rattus flavipectus. Conclusion Several species of rodents, which can transmit diseases, have been discovered in the coastal area of southern Zhejiang. It is important to strengthen the surveillance of rodent borne diseases and the control of rodent density in this area.