The epidemic characteristics and preventive measures of hemorrhagic fever with syndromes in China

Objective To Summarize and analyze the epidemic situation of hantaviruses including geographic distribution, types and prevalent intensity of epidemic areas of hantavirus for the lasl 30 years in China, and to discuss relative preventive measures. Methods Collecting and analyzing the data of hantaviruses epidemics in China. Results The annual number of ceses of hantavirus disease rapidly increared from 3295 in 1970 to 115 804 in 1986 then sustained betwee 40 000 and 60 000 cases annually in the 1990' s, and then decreased thereafter. The epidemic areas existed in all provinces except Qinhai and Xinjiang and there were the hospitalized cases of hantavirus disease reported in other provinces. In recent years, the prevalence of hantavirus infection had increared in some cities, and the seasonal distribution of the cases changed as well. Conclusion Deta suggested that the new epidemic characteristics of hantaviruses had emerged in China suggesing that it was necessary to strengthen survillance programs and to take comprehensive preventive measures for the control and prevention of hantaviruses in China.