Epidemiological Characteristics of Dengue Fever - China, 2005-2023

The global incidence of dengue fever has increased significantly over the past two decades, and China faces a significant upward trend in dengue control challenges.

Data were obtained from China's NNDRS from 2005 to 2023. Joinpoint regression software was used to analyze temporal trends, while SaTScan software was used to analyze spatial, seasonal, and spatiotemporal distributions. ArcGIS software was used to visualize clusters.

A total of 117,892 dengue cases were reported from 2005 to 2023, with significant fluctuation in annual reported cases. Dengue was not endemic in China. Autochthonous outbreaks most likely occurred in the southwestern, southeastern coastal, and inland areas of China. These outbreaks have occurred between June and November, generally peaking in September or October, around epidemiological week (EW) 40.

Dengue challenges in China are increasing. Timely case monitoring, proactive control interventions, and staff mobilization should be implemented before June to ensure a timely response to autochthonous outbreaks.