Spatial, temporal, and space-time clusters of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in beijing, china

As only few cases each year, the distribution of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) had thought to be sporadic using the traditional statistical method. The cases reported between 2007 and 2012 through notifiable disease system were analyzed using SaTScan software. The spatial, temporal and space-time distribution of HFRS cases and clusters of high risk at township level was explored. The clusters in northern remote suburb, south of central urban and northern urban fringe were identified. When clusters were found, we could find evidence of risk factors easily and provide proper prevention methods ultimately. The cluster methods may have wider applications in the diseases with few cases.