ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the epidemic distribution and characteristics of brucellosis in Heze City, and to provide a basis for formulating prevention and control measures in the future.Methods:The data of Heze City brucellosis reported from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021, were collected from the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The epidemiological case questionnaires of brucellosis in Heze City from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021 were collected from the centers for disease control and prevention of various cities, counties and districts. Retrospective analysis was used to conduct a descriptive analysis of the distributions, clinical manifestations and epidemiological history 3 weeks prior to the onset of the disease in Heze City from 2017 to 2021.Results:From 2017 to 2021, a total of 1 543 cases of brucellosis were reported in Heze City, with no death. The highest incidence was in 2018 (5.16/100 000). The peak period was from March to June each year (759 cases). There were cases reported in all counties (districts) of the city, and the counties (districts) with more cases were Mudan District (386 cases), Cao County (271 cases), Yuncheng County (251 cases), Shan County (138 cases) and Juye County (132 cases). The minimum age of onset was 11 months, and the maximum was 84 years old, mainly between the ages of 20 to 69 (1 381 cases). The gender ratio between males and females was 2.50 ∶ 1.00 (1 102 ∶ 441). Farmers had the highest incidence of the disease (1 329 cases). Main clinical manifestations were fever, hyperhidrosis, fatigue, muscle and joint soreness. Epidemiological history investigation within 3 weeks before the onset of the disease revealed 1 124 cases of close contact with animals, including 1 044 cases of contact with sheep.Conclusions:From 2017 to 2021, the incidence of brucellosis in Heze City shows a trend of first rising and then decreasing, and the epidemic affects all counties (districts) of the city, mainly middle-aged and elderly men. In the future, it is necessary to strictly control the flow of diseased animals, increase immunization and quarantine, and block the transmission route.