Analysis on epidemiologic characteristics of human brucellosis in Nanxun district of Huzhou, Zhejiang, 2012–2020

  Objective  To analyze the epidemiologic characteristics of human brucellosis in Nanxun district of Huzhou, Zhejiang province, from 2012 to 2020, identify the main factors affecting the incidence of human brucellosis in Nanxun and provide evidence for the prevention and control of human brucellosis.

  Methods  The incidence data of human brucellosis in Nanxun were collected for a descriptive epidemiologic analysis.

  Results  A total of 86 cases of human brucellosis were reported in Nanxun from 2012 to 2020, without death, the incidence was lowest in 2016 (0.55/100 000) and the incidence was highest in 2020 (4.39/100 000), the annual reported incidence rate showed a fluctuant increase (trend χ²=3.897, P=0.048). The incidence was higher in local areas, the cases were mainly men and farmers, occupational exposure was the main route of infection, but there was spread to general population.

  Conclusion  The incidence of human brucellosis in Nanxun was in increase, the main reasons were that the occupational population took no protective measures, the sick sheep entered the market without quarantine, and sick sheep were raised with local sheep. It is still necessary to strengthen the joint prevention and control, focus on the prevention and control in occupational groups and at sheep source, expand the health education coverage and improve the awareness of the disease prevention in general population.