Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore spatial and temporal distribution pattern of bacillary dysentery in Hunan province from 2004 to 2013 and to provide a basis for optimizing health resource allocation and effective control of the disease.MethodsRelevant data on incidence of bacillary dysentery in Hunan province from 2004 to 2013 were collected and analyzed with SPSS 17.0.ArcGIS 9.3 was employed to make the spatial distribution map of bacillary dysentery incidence.ResultsThe incidence rate of bacillary dysentery in residents of Hunan province was 14.83/100 000(17.10/100 000 for the males and 12.41/100 000 for the females) during the period,with a higher prevalence(32.6/100 000)among the residents aged 0 to 20 years;the majority of the bacillary dysentery cases were scattered children(34.9%),farmers(25.5%),and students(14.1%).In the province,the bacillary dysentery incidence increased first from 2004 to 2009 and then decreased from 2009 to 2013 in many regions(Changde,Yueyang,Changsha,Yiyang,Loudi,Shaoyang,Zhangjiajie,and Chenzhou),with a parabolic shape trend;the incidence presented a downward trend continuously in Xiangtang,Hengyang,and Huaihua but a steady tendency in Zhuzhou and Yongzhou regions;and the incidence showed an increasing trend in Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture in 2013.For the the spatial distribution during the period,Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture had the highest average annual incidence(39.99/100 000),followed by Chenzhou(23.31/100 000)and Yongzhou(20.20/100 000).The higher annual incidences were observed in Chenzhou in 2004,2006,2007,2008,2011,and 2012 and in Changsha from 2004 to 2006;higher annual incidences were also observed in Huaihua,Shaoyang,and Yongzhou in recent years.ConclusionAfter 2009,bacillary dysentery incidence showed a downward trend in most parts in Hunan province after 2009,except for Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture with an increasing trend in 2013 and bacillary dysentery incident was more prevalent in western and southern regions and less prevalent in northern region of the province.