Modern Disease Control and Prevention

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal clustering patterns of foodborne diseases in Qinghai Province from 2021 to 2023, providing a scientific basis for targeted foodborne disease prevention and control.Methods Surveillance data on foodborne disease cases in Qinghai Province from 2021 to 2023 were collected. Descriptive epidemiological analysis was performed. Spatial autocorrelation analysis and spatiotemporal scanning statistics were employed to identify spatiotemporal clustering. Results From 2021 to 2023, a total of 13 812 foodborne diseases cases were reported in Qinghai Province, with an average annual incidence of 7.75 cases per 10 000 person-years. Cases exhibited distinct seasonality,peaking annually from June to September. Haidong City(27.14%) and Xining City(22.88%) reported the highest case numbers.The most affected age group was 1-<10 years old(23.72%), with preschool children being the predominant occupational category(27.69%). The suspected exposure food was primarily meat and meat products(19.85%); and the the most common exposure setting was the household(79.57%). Among 4 267 samples tested, 314 were positive for pathogenic microorganisms(positivity rate7.36%). Salmonella was the most frequently detected pathogen(5.68%, 232/4 088), with the highest positive rate observed in September(9.97%, 35/351). Spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated regional aggregation in 2022(Moran's I = 0.269, P < 0.05)and 2023(Moran's I = 0.286, P < 0.05). Spatiotemporal scanning analysis identified Haidong City and Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture as the primary clustered areas, with a high-risk period from April to September in Class Ⅰ clustered regions. Conclusions The epidemiological profile of foodborne diseases in Qinghai Province is characterized by preschool children as the high-risk population and summer/autumn as the high-incidence seasons. Public health authorities should enhance surveillance focusing on key populations and implement targeted prevention and control measures during high-peak seasons to effectively reduce the incidence of foodborne diseases.