Rapid Increase in Scrub Typhus Incidence in Mainland China, 2006–2014

Abstract

Abstract. Scrub typhus is a vector-borne disease, which has recently reemerged in China. In this study, we describe the distribution and incidence of scrub typhus cases in China from 2006 to 2014 and quantify differences in scrub typhus cases with respect to sex, age, and occupation. The results of our study indicate that the annual incidence of scrub typhus has increased during the study period. The number of cases peaked in 2014, which was 12.8 times greater than the number of cases reported in 2006. Most (77.97%) of the cases were reported in five provinces (Guangdong, Yunnan, Anhui, Fujian, and Shandong). Our study also demonstrates that the incidence rate of scrub typhus was significantly higher in females compared to males (P < 0.001) and was highest in the 60-69 year age group, and that farmers had a higher incidence rate than nonfarmers (P < 0.001). Different seasonal trends were identified in the number of reported cases between the northern and southern provinces of China. These findings not only demonstrate that China has experienced a large increase in scrub typhus incidence, but also document an expansion in the geographic distribution throughout the country.

Analysis on epidemiological characteristics of 4 species natural-focal diseases in Shandong Province, China in 2009-2017: a descriptive analysis

“…The results showed that the incidence of scrub typhus among females was higher than that observed in males, which is consistent with previous studies[17, 18]. Two factors may contribute the result.…”

Pneumonia in the tropics

“…Wu et al have described a rise in the incidence of scrub typhus in Mainland China between 2006 and 2014 with a 12.8 times increase. 56 On top of seasonal peaks, the authors postulated that the increase of popularity in ecotourism have exposed more people to vector habitats. 56 Clinical manifestations typically include myalgia, high fevers, headaches, as well as a rash and eschar at the chigger bite.…”

“…56 On top of seasonal peaks, the authors postulated that the increase of popularity in ecotourism have exposed more people to vector habitats. 56 Clinical manifestations typically include myalgia, high fevers, headaches, as well as a rash and eschar at the chigger bite. Scrub typhus is usually self-limiting over 2-3 weeks but is sometimes associated with severe illness and multiorgan failure leading to death, although this is rare.…”

The estimated burden of scrub typhus in Thailand from national surveillance data (2003-2018)

“…Within each province, the population is served by a central provincial hospital, district hospitals and primary care or health promoting units located in every sub-district. There has been an increase in notified cases reported from other countries with established passive notification systems such as South Korea, China and Bhutan, while results from Japan and more recently Taiwan suggest the disease incidence has stabilised [15,[32][33][34][35][36][37].…”