[Epidemiological characteristics of reported echinococcosis cases in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2023].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of reported echinococcosis cases and their trends in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2023, so as to provide insights into optimization of echinococcosis control and surveillance strategies in the province.

METHODS

All data pertaining to echinococcosis cases in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2023 were captured from China's National Notifiable Disease Reporting System. All echinococcosis cases were subjected to duplicate checking and individual epidemiological surveys, and the temporal, population, and spatial distributions of reported echinococcosis cases were descriptively analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 94 echinococcosis cases were reported in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2023, and all cases were diagnosed with cystic echinococcosis, including 38 cases (40.43%) with definitive diagnosis of echinococcosis and 56 cases (59.57%) with clinically diagnosed echinococcosis, and 26 cases (27.66%) from echinococcosis-endemic foci, 33 imported cases (35.11%), and 35 suspected locally acquired cases (37.23%). Male cases were predominantly at ages of > 40 to 70 years (66.67%), and female cases were mainly at ages of > 55 to 70 years (43.24%). Farmer was the predominant occupation (68.09%), and junior high school was the predominant educational level (29.79%). Reported echinococcosis cases from endemic foci were mainly concentrated in Dingbian County (23 cases, 88.46%), and imported echinococcosis cases were primarily distributed in Xi'an City and Xianyang City in the central Guanzhong region (19 cases, 57.58%), while suspected locally acquired cases were mainly distributed in Tongchuan City, Xi'an City, and Weinan City in the central and eastern Guanzhong region (22 cases, 62.86%). Among the 33 imported echinococcosis cases, 31 cases (93.94%) had a history of long-term residence in, travel to, or visiting relatives or friends in endemic areas, and 11 cases (33.33%) had a history of contacts with dogs or foxes in endemic areas. Of the 35 suspected locally acquired echinococcosis cases, 18 cases (51.43%) had a history of breeding dogs or exposure to neighbors' dogs, and no history of other relevant exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of echinococcosis was low in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2023; however, there was a risk of continuous importation of echinococcosis cases in the province. Intensified echinococcosis control measures are recommended among high-risk populations with adaptations to local circumstances.