Spatiotemporal patterns of Japanese encephalitis in China, 2002–2010
Date
2013-06-20
Authors
Wang, Li-Ya
Zhang, Wen-Yi
Ding, Fan
Hu, Wen-Biao
Soares Magalhaes, Ricardo
Sun, Hai-Long
Li, Yi-Xing
Zou, Wen
Wang, Yong
Liu, Qi-Yong
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Public Library of Science
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to examine the spatiotemporal pattern of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in mainland China during 2002-2010. Specific objectives of the study were to quantify the temporal variation in incidence of JE cases, to determine if clustering of JE cases exists, to detect high risk spatiotemporal clusters of JE cases and to provide evidence-based preventive suggestions to relevant stakeholders. METHODS Monthly JE cases at the county level in mainland China during 2002-2010 were obtained from the China Information System for Diseases Control and Prevention (CISDCP). For the purpose of the analysis, JE case counts for nine years were aggregated into four temporal periods (2002; 2003-2005; 2006; and 2007-2010). Local Indicators of Spatial Association and spatial scan statistics were performed to detect and evaluate local high risk space-time clusters. RESULTS JE incidence showed a decreasing trend from 2002 to 2005 but peaked in 2006, then fluctuated over the study period. Spatial cluster analysis detected high value clusters, mainly located in Southwestern China. Similarly, we identified a primary spatiotemporal cluster of JE in Southwestern China between July and August, with the geographical range of JE transmission increasing over the past years. CONCLUSION JE in China is geographically clustered and its spatial extent dynamically changed during the last nine years in mainland China. This indicates that risk factors for JE infection are likely to be spatially heterogeneous. The results may assist national and local health authorities in the development/refinement of a better preventive strategy and increase the effectiveness of public health interventions against JE transmission.
Description
Keywords
china, cluster analysis, encephalitis, japanese, humans, time factors, topography, medical
Citation
Collections
Source
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Type
Journal article
Book Title
Entity type
Access Statement
License Rights
Restricted until
Downloads
File
Description
Published Version