Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of human brucellosis in Huai'an of Jiangsu Province, 2013-2018

Objective To understand the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of human brucellosis in Huai'an of Jiangsu Province, and to provide evidence for the formulation of prevention and control measures. Methods Relevant data was collect through "Infectious Disease Report Information Management System". Descriptive epidemiology (population distribution, time distribution, regional distribution) and clinical characteristics analysis of brucellosis were conducted in Huai'an City from 2013 to 2018. Results Totally 704 cases of brucellosis had been reported in Jiangsu Province, with an average annual incidence of 0.146 7/100 000, among which 32 cases (4.55%) had been reported in Huai'an, with an average annual incidence of 0.110 0/100 000 from 2013 to 2018. The annual outcomes (incidence rates) were 2 (0.041 6/100 000), 4 (0.083 4/100 000), 6 (0.124 7/100 000), 6 (0.123 2/100 000), 8 (0.163 6/100 000) and 6 (0.122 1/100 000), respectively. Most of the cases were males (20 cases, 62.5%), and aged mainly focused from 40-< 60 years old (20 cases, 62.5%). The occupation was mainly farmers (21 cases, 65.6%). The contact with animals was mainly sheep, and the contact mode was feeding and slaughtering. The cases mainly occurred from March to September (26 cases), and all districts had cases except Hongze. The main clinical manifestations were fever, fatigue, hyperhidrosis and arthromyalgia, with 30 cases (93.8%), 28 cases (87.5%), 25 cases (78.1%) and 22 cases (68.8%), respectively. Some cases showed enlargement of liver, spleen, lymph nodes and testis. Conclusions The incidence of brucellosis in Huai'an City is on the rise, and the characteristics of population distribution, time distribution and regional distribution are obvious. The clinical features are mainly fever, fatigue, and hyperhidrosis. We should strengthen the monitoring of brucellosis, carry out health education for high-risk groups, and reduce the occurrence of brucellosis. Key words: Brucellosis; Epidemic characteristics; Clinical characteristics