Epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of scrub typhus in Jingjiang City of Jiangsu Province from 2011 to 2015

Objective To study clinical features, epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of scrub typhus in Jingjiang City, Jiangsu Province and to provide a basis for prevention and control work. Methods Clinical cases were collected and case study of scrub typhus was carried out in Jingjiang City from 2011 to 2015. The results were analyzed by descriptive analysis, chi-square test and other methods, which were combined with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) nucleic acid detection, IgG antibody detection and storage host, and media survey. Results A total of 962 scrub typhus cases were reported and average annual morbidity was 28.80/100 000. Western villages and towns were the high-prevalence areas and main duration of the disease was centered from October to November. There were 85.45% of peasants and male to female ratio was 1:1.35. There was a 72.70% of the positive rate for orientia tsutsugamushi nucleic acid with 9.64% of tsutsugamushi antigens IgG antibody positive rate among general population.The density of mice was 10.97% and main murine-like animal in epidemic region were flavipectus and skunks. Mites were leptotrombidium scutellares. Conclusions Scrub typhus epidemics in Jingjiang is increasing rapidly and has typical clinical symptoms, since epidemic situations are concentrated in autumns and winters. It is recommended to strengthen the surveillance of scrub typhus. Meanwhile, health educations and behavioral interventions for peasants over 40 years old should be carried out before autumn harvest season.