Epidemiological characteristics and spatial clustering of brucellosis in Shanxi, 2017−2022

Objective  To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatial clustering of brucellosis in Shanxi province from 2017 to 2022, and provide scientific information for the precise prevention and control of brucellosis.

Methods The incidence data of brucellosis cases in Shanxi during 2017−2022 were collected from the notifiable disease management information system of Chinese information system for disease control and prevention for a descriptive analysis. GeoDa 1.8.8 was used for global autocorrelation and local autocorrelation analyses.

Results A total of 21 981 brucellosis cases were reported in Shanxi from 2017 to 2022, including 1 deaths. The reported incidence rate ranged from 7.56/100 000 to 13.81/100 000, the average incidence rate was 10.15/100 000. The top four areas with high cumulative cases were Datong (3 238 cases, 14.73%), Jinzhong (3 225 cases, 14.67%), Shuozhou (3 087 cases, 14.04%) and Linfen (3 063 cases, 13.93%), accounting for 57.38% (12 613/ 21 981) of the total. The incidence of brucellosis showed seasonality. The cases mainly occurred from March to August, accounting for 66.60% (14 639/21 981) of the total. The male to female ratio of reported cases was 3.38∶1 (16 958/5 023). The brucellosis cases were mainly middle aged and elderly people (40–69 years old), accounting for 73.39% (16 131/21 981), and the cases were mainly farmers (88.79%, 18 594/21 981). Local spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that there was a spatial positive correlation (Moran's I ranged from 0.31 to 0.44, all P<0.001) and the spatial clustering was obvious. Local autocorrelation analysis showed that high-high clustering areas (hot spots) were mainly distributed in Datong, Shuozhou and Xinzhou in northern Shanxi, while low-low clustering areas (cold spots) were mainly distributed in Taiyuan, Yangquan and Lyuliang in central Shanxi and Changzhi and Jincheng in southeastern Shanxi.

Conclusion From 2017 to 2022, the incidence of brucellosis in Shanxi showed a upward trend, and the epidemic was still serious. The reported incidence of brucellosis in Shanxi showed spatial clustering, and the hot spots were mainly distributed in northern Shanxi. It is suggested to improve brucellosis prevention and control strategy and adjust the allocation of health resources, and carry out joint prevention and control in key areas.