Recent trends in human brucellosis in the West Bank, Palestine

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the epidemiology of human brucellosis in the West Bank over the past 20 years, with a focus on recent trends in disease incidence from 2000 to 2020. Methods: A long-term descriptive epidemiological study was conducted, based on the Palestinian Ministry of Health records from 2000 to 2020. Results: The total number of cases was 7935 and the average annual incidence rate (AAIR) was 9.4 cases per 100 000 population. The AAIR ranged from 17.9 in 2000 to 15.7 cases per 100 000 population in 2020. The AAIR decreased markedly from 17.9 in 2000, to 2.9 cases per 100 000 population in 2012. A dramatic increase in cases started from 2013 onwards, reaching a peak in 2016. Higher incidence was reported in males (57.1%) and among the age group 11–20 years (29%). A higher number of cases was reported during April, May, and June. A total of 2850 patients (62.7%) reported contact with animals, and approximately 30% had at least one infected household member. Conclusions: The dramatic increase in human brucellosis in the West Bank was linked to the impaired control and surveillance of the disease. Mass vaccination, regular screenings, raising public health awareness, and monitoring of milk and homemade dairy products represent some recommended precautionary measures for coping with the epidemic.

Keywords

• Human brucellosis
• West Bank
• Palestine
• Epidemiology
• Average annual incidence rate