Dengue situation in Chinese mainland, 2023.

BACKGROUND

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Chinese mainland in recent years, especially in 2014 and 2019. In 2023, following the Corona Virus Disease 2019 pandemic, dengue fever has exhibited some new trends and characteristics.

METHODS

Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyse temporal, spatial and demographic distribution. Flow map and Sankey diagram were used to explore the flow of domestic and overseas dengue cases.

RESULTS

In 2023, a total of 14,585 indigenous cases, 3,632 domestic imported cases, and 1,579 overseas imported cases were identified in 10, 28, and 22 provinces, respectively among 31 provinces in Chinese mainland. Dengue fever exhibited seasonal characteristics, with peak periods occurring in late summer and early autumn. Most dengue cases were reported in Yunnan Province (70.4% of indigenous cases and 74.4% of overseas imported cases) and Guangdong Province (25.8% and 7.9%, respectively). Of the domestic imported cases, 91.5% were from the Yunnan Province. Additionally, only 30.6% of domestic imported cases were transmitted between provinces. Overseas imported cases were mainly from Myanmar (68.9%), Laos (8.4%), and Thailand (7.2%). Indigenous cases emerged from low to high latitudes during the months of the year, with further spatial growth in the western (Sichuan Province and Chongqing Municipality) and central (Hunan and Hubei provinces) regions. There was a significant increase in the number of domestic imported cases, and the proportion of farmer for dengue cases was substantially higher in 2013 than before.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from the dengue fever analysis in 2023 can help in formulating targeted and strategic plans and implementing effective public health prevention and control measures.