Epidemiological characteristics of Japanese encephalitis in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from 2012 to 2023

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from 2012 to 2023 and provide scientific evidence for developing JE prevention and control strategies. MethodsJE incidence data from 2012 to 2023 in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were collected through the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Information System. Descriptive epidemiological analysis was performed using SPSS 17.0 software. ResultsA total of 168 JE cases were reported in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from 2012 to 2023, with an average annual incidence rate of 0.030/100 000. Seven deaths occurred, resulting in a case fatality rate of 4.17%. The incidence rate decreased from 0.153/100 000 (71 cases) in 2012 to 0.006/100 000 (3 cases) in 2023. Among the cases, 107 were male (average annual incidence rate 0.036/100 000) and 61 were female (average annual incidence rate 0.022/100 000). JE cases exhibited a distinct seasonal pattern, mainly concentrated between June and July each year, accounting for 77.38% of the total cases. Cases were sporadic and mainly distributed in Hechi city (37 cases, 22.02%), Yulin city (31 cases, 18.45%), Guigang city (22 cases, 13.10%), Baise city (20 cases, 11.90%), Laibin city (11 cases, 6.55%), and Hezhou city (11 cases, 6.55%), accounting for 78.57% of the total cases. The majority of cases (164, 97.62%) were among individuals aged 0–14 years. The primary occupations of the cases were students (80 cases, 47.62%), scattered children (71 cases, 42.26%), and children in nurseries (14 cases, 8.33%). Among the cases, 44 (26.19%) had a history of JE vaccination, while 124 (73.81%) had no vaccination history or unknown vaccination status. ConclusionsBoth the incidence and case fatality rates of JE in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region are relatively low, indicating effective control of the disease. Children aged 0–14 years are the key target population for prevention and control. Continued efforts should be made to promote JE vaccination and strengthen health education among key populations in key areas.