Abstract:

Objective To analyze the epidemic situation of amoebic dysentery in Yunnan Province for basis to scientifically formulate prevention and control strategies and measures. Methods Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the cases of amoebic dysentery reported in Yunnan Province in the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System from January 2005 to December 2020, and the characteristics of population, temporal and regional distribution were described in detail. Results From 2005 to 2020, a total of 3 315 cases of amoebic dysentery were reported in Yunnan Province, including 697 clinically diagnosed cases (21.03%) and 2 618 confirmed cases (78.97%). The average annual incidence was 0.46/100 000 and the annual incidence rate ranged from 0.06/100 000 to 1.45/100 000, with the highest in 2005 (1.45/100 000), and then fluctuated. In the reported cases, 1 838 (55.44%) were males and 1 477 (44.56%) were females, with a gender ratio of 1∶0.8. The most cases were under 10 years old (1 675 cases, 50.53%). The infection was most seen in children living at home and farmers, which accounted for 38.49% (1 276 cases) and 30.50% (1 011 cases), respectively. The reported cases were mainly concentrated from April to July (1 925 cases, 58.07%). In terms of regional distribution, the top three reported areas were Lincang City (1 526 cases, 46.03%), Chuxiong Prefecture (273 cases, 8.23%), and Honghe Prefecture (273 cases, 8.23%). Among the reported cases in Yunnan Province, 1 380 (41.63%) cases were reported in Gengma County, Lincang City. Conclusion The reported incidence of amebic dysentery in Yunnan Province exhibited a declining trend. The infection primarily affected children and farmers, and occurred most in Gengma County of Lincang City. The following efforts should focus on the health education on the key areas and the key population, as well as further improving the diagnosis capacity of medical institutions and the monitoring capabilities of disease control institutions so as to constantly boost the prevention and control level for amebic dysentery across the province.

Key words: Amebic dysentery, Epidemiological characteristics, Yunnan Province