Abstract:

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of other infectious diarrhea (OID) in Wuxi area for a basis in formulating prevention and control strategies for OID. Methods The data of OID reported in Wuxi area were retrieved through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System from 2018 to 2023. The incidence profile and the distribution characteristics in different region, population and time were described using descriptive epidemiological methods. Results A total of 23 427 cases of OID were reported in Wuxi area from 2018 to 2023. The average annual incidence and annual reported incidence were 55.53/100 000 and 36.86/100 000-78.64/100 000, respectively. Winter and spring were the peak seasons, during which the top three months with the highest cumulative reported incidence were January (2 649 cases, 11.31%), March (2 279 cases, 9.73%) and April (2 255 cases, 9.63%), respectively. In the reported cases, 12 736 were males, and 10 691 were females, with an average annual incidence of 58.41/100 000 and 52.44/100 000. By age distribution, the cumulative number of reported cases in the age group under 5 years old was the highest (9 621 cases, 41.07%), with an average annual incidence of 628.55/100 000. In terms of occupational distribution, the largest number of reported cases were in children living at home (8 053 cases, 34.37%), followed by students (4 496 cases, 19.19%) and farmers (3 278 cases, 13.99%). Among all cities (districts), the top three with the highest average annual reported incidence rates were Yixing City (71.67 per 100 000), Xishan District (68.65 per 100 000), and Binhu District (61.43 per 100 000). Conclusion The peak incidence of OID in Wuxi area was in winter and spring, children under 5 years old should be key subjects for prevention and control. The findings suggest that it is necessary to strengthen monitoring and early warning in the future.

Key words: Other infectious diarrhea, Epidemiological characteristics, Wuxi City