Abstract: Objective To understand the characteristics of human trichinellosis outbreaks in Yunnan Province, so as to supply references to the treatment and control of trichinellosis. Methods Historical reports on human trichinellosis outbreaks in Yunnan Province since 2000 were retrieved from the database, including CNKI, CQVIP and Wanfang Data. Then the data were analyzed regarding epidemiological distribution, infection fashion and clinical diagnosis and treatment. Results Twenty-one episodes of outbreaks of human trichinellosis, with a cumulative involvement of 2 256 cases and 3 deaths, were reported in Yunnan Province since 2000. The outbreaks mainly occurred in winter and spring seasons, and were primarily associated with rural areas in western and southwestern Yunnan. The infection most occurred in ethnic minorities living in the provincial border areas, and the majority of the patients were young adults. Main cause of infection was intake of raw or undercooked pork. Of 1 976 cases with clear symptom records, the incubation period of the patient was as short as 12 h and as long as 25 d. Clinical manifestations generally included muscle pain(1 655 cases, 83. 76% ), fever(1 612 cases, 81. 58% ), fatigue(998 cases, 50. 51% ), facial and eyelid edema(659 cases, 33. 35% ), abdominal pain and diarrhea, digestive tract symptoms( 509 cases, 25. 76% ) and respiratory symptoms such as cough and expectoration( 122 cases, 6. 17% ). Four outbreaks were misdiagnosed as food poisoning, acute gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis and other conditions at early stage. Conclusion The outbreak of trichinellosis is an important public health emergency in Yunnan Province. Our findings suggest that governments and health sectors at all levels should strengthen publicity on the prevention and control of trichinellosis, including raising the awareness of population in disease prevention and modifying diet habits to eventually reduce the risks of such infection.

Key words: Trichinellosis, Outbreak, Characteristics, Yunnan Province