Epidemiological Characteristics and Spatiotemporal Patterns of Scrub Typhus in Jiangxi Province, China, 2006-2018

Abstract With the increasing incidence of scrub typhus (ST) in Jiangxi, it is valuable for the control and management to explore the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal patterns of ST. Fisher's exact tests, seasonal decomposition analysis, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and space-time scan statistical analyses were performed to detect the epidemiological features and spatiotemporal patterns of ST. From 2006 to 2018, a total of 5,508 ST cases were reported in Jiangxi, which increased rapidly. Of these, female cases, cases aged 40 years old and above and farmers accounted for 63.42%, 88.2%, and 92.2%, respectively. The majority of cases occurred each year between June and October, with a bi-peak seasonal pattern in summer and autumn. The spatiotemporal dynamics of ST varied over the study period with high-risk areas identified in the southern and eastern part of Jiangxi. Seven spatiotemporal clusters were detected using Kulldorff’s space-time scan statistic, and the primary cluster covered one county, Nanfeng county. The results of this study demonstrated that targeted intervention should be executed in high-risk counties of ST in Jiangxi to mitigate the growing threat of ST in the province.