[Spatiotemporal clustering and hot spot analysis of visceral leishmaniasis in Gansu Province from 1993 to 2023].

Objective: To investigate the spatiotemporal clustering characteristics of the reported incidence of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Gansu Province from 1993 to 2023, so as to provide insights into the containment of VL and prevention of VL recurrence.

Methods: County (district)-level epidemical data of VL in Gansu Province from 1993 to 2023 were collected, and the geographical information database of reported VL incidence in Gansu Province was created according to the county-level administrative code and electronic maps in Gansu Province. In addition, the spatial autocorrelation analysis and hot spot analysis of the reported VL incidence were performed in Gansu Province using the software ArcGIS 10.8.

Results: A total of 2 597 VL cases were reported in Gansu Province from 1993 to 2023, with an annual average incidence rate of 3.036/10⁵. Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed spatial clustering of the reported VL incidence in Gansu Province (Moran's I = 0.605, Z = 5.240, P < 0.001), appearing high-high clustering features (Getis-Ord G = 0.080, Z = 4.137, P < 0.001), and high-high clustering of the reported incidence of VL was identified in Diebu County, Tanchang County, Zhouqu County and Wenxian County. Hot spot analysis showed hot-spot areas of the reported VL incidence in Tanchang County, Zhouqu County, Wudu District and Wenxian County along the Bailong River basins and cold-spot areas in Qin'an County and Gangu County.

Conclusions: There was spatial clustering and hot spots of the reported VL incidence in Gansu Province from 1993 to 2023. Intensified surveillance and control is required to prevent the spread of VL.