Analysis of incidence and related factors of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Hebei Province, China.

Qi Li,Zhanying Han,Yanbo Zhang,Wenna Zhao,Shunxiang Qi,Xu Han,Yamei Wei,Yonggang Xu,Xue-Jie Yu

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0101348

Abstract

BackgroundHemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is an important infectious disease in Hebei province, China. The average annual incidence is 3.10/100000. Although the incidence of HFRS is stable with a general decline in trend since 2004, an increase in the trend was observed in 2011. Few studies have been conducted to investigate the underlying risk factors for this disease.MethodsThe epidemiological data of HFRS and the population data, meteorology, and remote sensing aspects of cities in Hebei province from 1999 to 2011 were collected. The epidemiological data included the population density in the region, seasonal data and rat density and rat's virus carriage rate. The data were analyzed by descriptive study, correlation analysis and multivariate linear analysis.ResultsThere were 26837 cases of HFRS was reported from 1999 to 2011. The infection occurred mainly in males, aged 20∼49 years, who were farmers. Rattus norvegicus was the main host animal. The incidence of HFRS was related to NDVI value, rat density and rat's virus carriage rate by multiple linear regression (F = 25.936, P<0.01). The pseudo- R 2value for the model was 0.644.ConclusionThe incidence of HFRS was related to NDVI value, rat density and rat's virus carriage rate. Control of these factors should be used to prevent HFRS in Hebei province.

Highlights

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is caused by different species of Hantavirus which causes fever, bleeding and renal dysfunction
The annual number of cases reported in China is 40000-60000, which accounts for 90% of the total reported cases of HFRS throughout the world [1]
A number of studies have examined the correlation between HFRS and meteorological factors [4,5,6]

Summary

Introduction

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is caused by different species of Hantavirus which causes fever, bleeding and renal dysfunction. The incidence and prevalence of HFRS can be affected by environmental, occupational, population and reservoir factors [3]. A number of studies have examined the correlation between HFRS and meteorological factors [4,5,6]. Meteorological factors, including temperature, rainfall and relative humidity, affect the replication rate of the virus. It can effect the disease reservoir, rodents, and contacts between human and rodent populations [7]. There is a significant correlation between the incidence of HFRS and NDVI in monitoring areas of China [9]. Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is an important infectious disease in Hebei province, China. Few studies have been conducted to investigate the underlying risk factors for this disease

Methods

Results

Conclusion