Original Article
Analysis of epidemic characteristics of human rabies in China in 2007-2023
Qin Yao, Zhang Qian, Lai Shengjie, Chen Qiulan, Ren Qian, Yin Wenwu, Mu Di, Zhang Yanping
Published 2024-08-30
Cite as Chinese J Exp Clin Virol, 2024, 38(4): 373-377. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112866-20240403-00055
Abstract
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of rabies in China from 2007 to 2023, and to provide reference evidence for tailoring strategies to facilitate the elimination of rabies in the country.
MethodsCase data from 2007 to 2023 were obtained from China′s National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting Information System, and the spatial, temporal, and demographic features of cases were analyzed.
ResultsFrom 2007 to 2023, a total of 18 751 human rabies cases were reported in China, with an average annual incidence rate of 0.08 per 100 000. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) in incidence rate was -18.58% (95%CI: -21.32% to -15.75%, P<0.05), with three significant turning points in 2011, 2018, and 2021. Based on the trend of the epidemic, Chinese provinces can be roughly divided into five categories. The geographical range affected by rabies has decreased from 23 provinces and 984 counties (districts) in 2007 to 17 provinces and 101 counties (districts) in 2023. Since 2019, the high-incidence counties (districts) have been mainly concentrated in the southwestern part of Hunan, the southern part of Henan, and the western part of Anhui. Fourteen provinces have reported no cases for at least two consecutive years. Males (70.24%) and farmers (72.18%) were the main affected groups, and the proportion of cases aged 65 and above increased from 17.43% in 2007 to 36.07% in 2023.
ConclusionsThe incidence of rabies in China has changed from endemic in many areas to sporadic, with the remaining endemic regions mainly located in parts of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The main vulnerable groups are middle-aged and elderly farmers. The current prevention and control measures can effectively curb the transmission of rabies, but the decline of cases has slowed down recently.
Key words:
Rabies; Epidemiology; Elimination
Contributor Information
Qin Yao
Division of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of China Center for Disease Control and Prevention for Monitoring and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases (NITFID), Beijing 102206, China
Sichuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu 610044
Zhang Qian
China National Biotec Group Company Limited, Beijing 100029, China
Lai Shengjie
WorldPop, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
Chen Qiulan
Division of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of China Center for Disease Control and Prevention for Monitoring and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases (NITFID), Beijing 102206, China
Ren Qian
Division of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of China Center for Disease Control and Prevention for Monitoring and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases (NITFID), Beijing 102206, China
Yin Wenwu
Division of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of China Center for Disease Control and Prevention for Monitoring and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases (NITFID), Beijing 102206, China
Mu Di
Division of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of China Center for Disease Control and Prevention for Monitoring and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases (NITFID), Beijing 102206, China
Zhang Yanping
Division of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of China Center for Disease Control and Prevention for Monitoring and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases (NITFID), Beijing 102206, China
