Analysis of epidemiological characteristics of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in Yiyuan of Shandong Province，from 2014 to 2019

ObjectiveTo understand the epidemiological characteristics of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome （SFTS） in Yiyuan County， and provide scientific evidence for prevention and control strategies.

MethodsDescriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the incidence of SFTS in Yiyuan County during 2014—2019.

ResultsA total of 130 SFTS cases were documented in Yiyuan County during 2014—2019， of which four were death cases. The annual incidence was determined to be 3.79/10⁵ and the mortality was 3.08%， showing an upward trend in the incidence （${\chi }_{\mathrm{T}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{d}}^{\mathrm{2}}$=9.06， P=0.003）. Majority of the cases occurred between May and August （88.46%）， were more than 50 years old （81.54%）， and farmers （94.62%）. The median duration of time from onset to diagnosis was five days.

ConclusionSFTS was widely distributed in Yiyuan County with seasonal pattern. Middle aged and elderly farmers were mainly susceptible. It warrants strengthening prevention and control of SFTS and health education in elderly.