Objective: To analyze the spatial distribution of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Haidian district, Beijing and to explore the geographical characteristics of HFRS in highly endemic areas.
Methods: Administration boundary layer was established under the background of 1:100,000 map in the ArcInfo 8.1 software. The HFRS cases from 1997 to 2002 were positioned on the map. Highly endemic areas were identified by spatial cluster analysis using SaTScan 3.0 software. Distribution of HFRS cases was shown in different colors and contours by spatial analysis of geographic information system (GIS).
Results: Spatial Cluster Analysis of confirmed cases of HFRS identified in 1997 - 2002 in Haidian district showed that HFRS patients were not randomly distributed. The highly endemic areas were founded in Sujiatuo township, Yongfeng township, Shangzhuang township, Wenquan town and Bei'anhe township (relative risk = 4.43, P = 0.001). A thematic map of HFRS in haidian district was set up.
Conclusion: HFRS infections were not randomly distributed, since the distribution was related to geographic-environmental factors.