Journal of Tropical Diseases and Parasitology ›› 2025, Vol. 23 ›› Issue (3): 137-143.doi: 10.20199/j.issn.1672-2302.2025.03.002

• SPECIAL TOPIC ON PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF VIRAL HEPATITIS • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal clustering of hepatitis E in Jilin Province, 2005-2024

SHEN Xue1(), TIAN Xin1, ZHAI Qianqian1, ZHANG Yang2, WANG Junfeng1, YAO Laishun1(), HUANG Biao1()   

  1. 1. Jilin Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Jilin Academy of Preventive Medicine), Changchun 130062, Jilin Province, China
    2. Jilin Provincial Center for Health Monitor and Inspection
  • Received:2025-04-19 Online:2025-06-20 Published:2025-08-08
  • Contact: YAO Laishun, E-mail: yaolaishun@126.com; HUANG Biao, E-mail: Huangbiao2000@sohu.com

Abstract:

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal clustering of hepatitis E in Jilin Province for scientific evidences to precisely prevent and control this entity. Methods The data on hepatitis E cases reported in Jilin Province from 2005 to 2024 were collected through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis E. Spatial autocorrelation analysis was conducted using ArcGIS software to determine the spatial clustering and hotspots of hepatitis E incidence, and spatio-temporal scan analysis was performed using SaTScan software. Results A total of 5 098 hepatitis E cases were reported in Jilin Province from 2005 to 2024, with an average annual reported incidence rate of 0.96/100 000. The reported incidence rate was the highest in 2007 (1.58/100 000), yet the lowest in 2020 (0.40/100 000). By the population genders, the average annual reported incidence rate was 1.40/100 000 in males (n=3 765), and 0.51/100 000 in females (n=1 333). The reported incidence rate was generally increased with age, peaking at the 60-64 age group (2.01/100 000). By occupation distribution, farmers were dominant (n=1 598; 31.35%). The reported cases showed a slight increase from November to May of the following year, totaling 3 209 cases (62.95%). The highest number of cases were seen in March (n=501; 9.83%). Spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed that “High-High” clustering areas and hotspots of hepatitis E were primarily found in Liaoyuan City, Tonghua City, Siping City, and the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture. Spatio-temporal scan analysis identified a total of 9 high-risk clusters of hepatitis E. Conclusion The incidence of hepatitis E in Jilin Province showed an overall declining trend from 2005 to 2024, yet exhibited a significant spatio-temporal clustering. Our findings suggest that it is essential to strengthen surveillance on hepatitis E in southern Jilin Province and border cities, as well as to implement prevention and control measures such as health education and vaccination programs for the key populations.

Key words: Hepatitis E, Epidemiological characteristics, Spatiotemporal clustering, Jilin Province

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