Epidemiological characteristics of scrub typhus in Henan Province from 2006 to 2022
Objective To understand the epidemiological and spatial distribution characteristics of scrub typhus in Henan Province,and to identify its epidemic trends in order to provide a basis for developing prevention and control measures.Methods Data of reported cases with scrub typhus from January 2006 to December 2022 in Henan Province were collected from the Chinese disease control and prevention information system subsystem infectious disease monitoring system.Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to statistically analyze the distribution of cases by time,region,and population distributions.Spatial clustering analysis was conducted at the county level.Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test.Results A total of 1 580 cases of scrub typhus were reported in Henan Province.The incidence of the disease showed obvious seasonality,with peaks in October and November,during which a cumulative total of 1 409 cases were reported,accounting for 89.18%of all cases.There were 682 male cases and 898 female cases,with a lower incidence rate in males(1.37 per 100 000 population)compared to females(1.81 per 100 000 population),the difference was statistically significant(x2=30.84,P<0.001).The majority of cases were individuals aged 40 years and above,accounting for 84.75%(1 339/1 580)of all cases.The incidence rates among age groups(0 to 19 years,20 to 39 years,40 to 59 years,and ≥60 years)were statistically significant different(x2=1 114.44,P<0.001).Among the top 10 counties with the highest cumulative reported cases,six were in Zhumadian City.Global spatial autocorrelation analysis from 2014 and 2016 to 2022 showed that the global Moran's I were all>0,Z values were all>1.96,and P values were all<0.001,indicating a clustered distribution of scrub typhus at the county level in Henan Province.Conclusions From 2006 to 2022,scrub typhus in Henan Province exhibits a significant spatiotemporal clustering,predominantly affecting individuals aged 40 and above.Targeted prevention and control measures should be implemented in high-incidence areas.