Epidemiology of brucellosis in Shanxi, 2006-2015

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of brucellosis in Shanxi province from 2006 to 2015 and provide evidence for the prevent and control of brucellosis. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted by using the incidence data of brucellosis in Shanxi during this period. Results A total of 54 679 brucellosis cases were reported, the reported cases increased with year from 3452 cases in 2006 to 6997 cases in 2015 with an average rate of 10.27%. The brucellosis cases were distributed in nearly all the 11 prefectures (municipality). All the 119 counties (district) were affected in 2011,2013,2014 and 2015. The reported incidence ranged from 10.26/100 000 to 23.53/100 000,the average incidence was 15.51/100 000. The case number and incidence in 2014 were highest historically. A total of 37 619 cases of brucellosis were reported in Datong, Shuozhou, Jinzhong, Xinzhou,accounting for 68.80% of the province total. Totally 25 190 blood samples were collected from risk population, in which 2068 were positive for Brucella (8.21%). A total of 226 strains of brucellosis were detected, including 225 strains Brucella melitensis biovar 3 and 1 atypical brucella strains, 225 strains Brucella melitensis biovar 3 accounted for 99.56% of the total strains. Conclusion The brucellosis epidemic was serious in Shanxi, indicted by rapid annual increase of the incidence, especially in Yuncheng and Linfen, and the high prevalence in Datong, Shuozhou and Jinzhong in recent years. The disease seasonality was obvious, and Brucella melitensis biovar 3 was predominant. It is necessary to further strengthen the brucellosis prevention and control in Shanxi.