Epidemiological analysis on severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in Anhui Province, 2011-2015

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in Anhui Province, and to provide scientific evidence for the disease control and prevention. Methods A descriptive epidemiological study method was used to analyze the surveillance data of SFTS in Anhui Province during 2011 to 2015. Results The vast majority of cases (575 cases, 84.19%) of SFTS were reported by medical institutions in Anhui province from 2011 to 2015. As the number of reported SFTS cases continuously increased, its incidence was on the rise. But the case fatality rate (CFR) had steadily decreased. There were 330 cases confirmed by laboratory. These cases were mainly reported in the middle area of Anhui province. Every year the prevalence began at March and the peak of occurrence was from May to July. Among these cases, the ratio of male to female was 1.14:1. The majority (87.27%) were 40 to 74 years old, which included all of the deaths. 87.27% were farmers. The family clusters of SFTSV infections were most likely to result from contacting the blood and secretions of the index case. Conclusions SFTS reported cases exist widely in Anhui province and the reported cases increase year by year and the incidence time mainly concentrated from May to July. Therefore, we must work on the surveillance and prevention of SFTS among high risk population in high-risk area.