Abstract:
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics, temporal trends, and spatial distribution of cystic echinococcosis in Xiji county, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, from 2005 to 2024, and provide evidence for the precision control of cystic echinococcosis.
Methods The incidence data of cystic echinococcosis were collected from the national echinococcosis control program conducted in Xiji from 2005 to 2024. Temporal trends were analyzed by using Joinpoint regression model, while software ArcGIS 10.8 was used for spatial distribution and spatial autocorrelation analyses, Moran’s I was used to evaluate spatial clustering and software SaTScan 10.3.2 was used for spatiotemporal scanning to identify spatiotemporal clustering areas.
Results A total of 595 cystic echinococcosis cases were reported in Xiji from 2005 to 2024, with high case counts during 2007–2009 (95, 73, and 75 cases). Joinpoint regression analysis revealed that the incidence increased rapidly during 2005–2008 annual percent change (APC)=163.21%, 95% confidence Interval (CI): 2.42%–402.14%, P<0.05, then decreased significantly during 2008–2024 (APC=−10.88%, 95% CI: −21.62%––6.12%, P<0.01). The average annual percent change (AAPC) was −10.88% during 2015−2025 and during 2020−2024 (P<0.01). Spatial distribution showed the cases were distributed in all 19 townships, with the highest incidence in Xinying in northern area (51.18/100,000) and an overall pattern of “high in the north and low in the south”. Global spatial autocorrelation showed significant clustering (Moran’s I = 0.35, Z=3.55, P<0.01). Local autocorrelation analysis identified high–high clustering area in Huoshizhai in northern area, low–high clustering area in Jiqiang, and low–low clustering areas in southern townships, hot spots were mainly distributed in northern area. Spatiotemporal analysis revealed the primary clustering areas in Xinying, Huoshizhai, and Baiya in northern area from 2007 to 2018 Relative Risk (RR)=8.82, Log-Likelihood Ratio (LLR)=247.60, P<0.01, and the secondary clustering areas in six central-western areas (Hongyao, Tianping, Majian, Zhenhu, Xingping, and Jiqiang) during 2007–2009 (RR=1.95, LLR=11.26, P<0.01).
Conclusion From 2005 to 2024, the incidence of cystic echinococcosis in Xiji exhibited a decline trend with significant spatial clustering, and high-risk areas were usually distributed in northern area. It is necessary to target the areas and populations at high-risk, strengthen dog and livestock management, and establish spatiotemporal surveillance-based early warning systems for the precision control of cystic echinococcosis.