To analyze the epidemic characteristics of human brucellosis in Qingyang City, Gansu Province from 2010 to 2019, and to provide basis for further strengthening of prevention and control measures.

Data of human brucellosis cases in Qingyang City from 2010 to 2019 were collected from China Disease Prevention and Control Information System, population data were collected from Statistical Yearbook of Gansu Province, and quarantine information on sheep were collected from Agricultural and Rural Bureau of Qingyang City. Descriptive epidemiological method was applied to analyze the time, location and population distribution features of human brucellosis from 2010 to 2019. Spearman rank correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between the number of human brucellosis and the positive rate of sheep serum detection.

From 2010 to 2019, 2 387 cases of human brucellosis were reported in Qingyang City, the average annual incidence rate was 1.05/10 000, and no deaths were reported. In 2015, the incidence was the highest, with an incidence rate of 2.98/10 000. From April to July, 52.49% (1 253/2 387) of the overall cases were reported. The largest number of cases was in Zhenyuan County (476 cases), followed by Huan County (456 cases) and Heshui County (410 cases). The ratio of male to female was 2.89∶1.00 (1 773∶614); majority of cases were 30-59 years old, accounting for 67.53% (1 612/2 387) of the total cases; and the occupation was mainly farmers, accounting for 91.54% (2 185/2 387). The positive rate of sheep serum detection ranged from 0.33% to 4.79% in each year, and the difference was statistically significant (χ² = 10 412.594, P < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between the number of human brucellosis and the positive rate of sheep serum detection ( r_s = 0.802, P < 0.05). The health system of prevention and control measures mainly focused on propaganda and enhancing medical treatment, while the agriculture and animal husbandry department relied mainly on sheep immunization.

The seasonal characteristic of the onset time of human brucellosis is obvious, with a high incidence in spring and summer. The main population of the disease is young and middle-aged men; the location of the disease is mainly distributed in areas with more animal husbandry. The main prevention and control measures are to control the incidence of brucellosis among sheep, and take into account the behavioral intervention of high-risk groups.

Brucellosis; Epidemic characteristics; Prevention and control measures