Prevalence of brucellosis in Suizhong county from 2004 to 2012

ObjectiveTo analyze epidemiological characteristics of brucellosis in Suizhong county of Liaoning province and to provide evidence for prevention and control of brucellosis.MethodsDescriptive epidemiologic method was adopted to analyze the epidemic data of brucellosis in Suizhong county from 2004 to 2012.ResultsA total of 165 brucellosis cases were reported,with an average annual incidence of 2.88/100 000 and without death case.There were statistically significant differences in the annual incidence rate between years(χ²=103.96,P<0.005) and a peak incidence appeared in 2012.The majority of the cases were reported in Xiping,Gaoling,Xiaozhuangzi,Yong'an,and Gaotai town,accounting for 61.21%of total cases.There were cases throughout the year but 62.42%of the cases occurred from March to July,with incidence peaks in April(18.18%of the all cases) and in July(10.91%).The most of the cases were at the age of 30-69 years,accounting for 84.85%of all cases.For all cases,87.88%were farmers,5.45%were students,84.24%were males,and 15.76%were females.About one third(37.58%) of the cases were diagnosed more than 30 days after the incident of symptoms,indicating the lag time of diagnosis and possible misdiagnosis and mistreatment.Infected sheep was a major infection source.ConclusionComprehensive prevention and control measures,such as livestock quarantine,immunization,and elimination of sick animals,and propaganda and training need to be promoted by governmental agencies and related institutions.