Recent Trends in Human Brucellosis in the West Bank, Palestine

Abstract Objectives To investigate the epidemiology of human brucellosis in the West Bank over the past 20 years with a focus on recent trends in disease incidence from 2000 through 2020. Methods We conducted a long-term descriptive epidemiological study based on the Palestinian Ministry of Health records from 2000-2020. Results The total number of cases was 7935 and the average annual incidence rate (AAIR) was 9.4 cases/100.000 population. The AAIR ranged from 17.9 in 2000 to 15.7 cases/100.000 population in 2020. The AAIR markedly decreased from 17.9 in 2000, to 2.9 cases/ 100.000 populations in 2012. A dramatic increase in cases started from 2013 onwards to mark a peak in 2016. Higher incidence was reported in male (57.1%) and among the age group 11-20 years (29%). A higher number of cases was reported during April, May and June. A total of 2850 (62.7%) patients reported contact with animals and approximately (30%) had at least one infected household member. Conclusions The dramatic increase of human brucellosis in the West Bank is linked to the impaired control and surveillance of the disease. Mass vaccination, regular screenings, raising public health awareness, monitoring milk and homemade dairy products pose some recommended precautionary measures of coping with the epidemic.