Objective: To summarize and analyze the epidemic situation of hantaviruses including geographic distribution, types and prevalent intensity of epidemic areas of hantavirus for the last 30 years in China, and to discuss relative preventive measures.
Methods: Collecting and analyzing the data of hantaviruses epidemics in China.
Results: The annual number of cases of hantavirus disease rapidly increased from 3295 in 1970 to 115,804 in 1986 then sustained between 40,000 and 60,000 cases annually in the 1990's, and then decreased thereafter. The epidemic areas existed in all provinces except Qinhai and Xinjiang and there were the hospitalized cases of hantavirus disease reported in other provinces. In recent years, the prevalence of hantavirus infection had increased in some cities, and the seasonal distribution of the cases changed as well.
Conclusion: Data suggested that the new epidemic characteristics of hantaviruses had emerged in China suggesting that it was necessary to strengthen surveillance programs and to take comprehensive preventive measures for the control and prevention of hantaviruses in China.