Epidemiology of anthrax in Gansu, 2005-2016

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of anthrax in Gansu province and provide evidence for the prevention and control of anthrax. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the population, area and time distributions of anthrax case reported in Gannan prefecture, an area with high incidence in Gansu, during 2005-2016. Results A total of 956 anthrax cases, including 4 deaths, were reported during this period. Among these cases, 365 were suspected ones, 558 were clinically diagnosed and 33 were laboratory confirmed. And among these cases, 949 were cutaneous anthrax, accounting for 99.3%, and 7 were unspecified. The annual reported case number ranged from 46 to 131, the case number in 2016 was highest (131). The cases were mainly distributed in Gannan (830 cases, 86.82%) and Linxia (80 cases, 8.37%). The disease mainly occurred in summer and autumn. Most cases were young herdman. Conclusion The incidence of anthrax was high in Gansu, especially in Gannan prefecture, affecting a wide area and causing a high risk of further transmission. It is necessary to strengthen the surveillance and conduct active response.