Epidemiological characteristics and spatial correlation analysis of mushroom poisoning in Yunnan Province from 2005 to 2019

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatial correlation distribution of mushroom poisoning in Yunnan Province from 2005 to 2019, and provide scientific evidence for the control and prevention strategy.MethodsData of mushroom poisoning incidents from 2005 to 2019 was collected from the China Information System for public health emergency report and management. The epidemiological characteristics of time, place of occurrence, spatial correlation, and types of poisonous mushrooms were described.ResultsFrom 2005 to 2019, Yunnan Province reported a total of 316 events of mushroom poisoning, the number of cases was 2 009, the number of deaths was 472, and the case fatality rate was 23.49%(472/2 009). The peak of poisoning incidents was from June to August each year, accounting for 83.86%(265/316) of the total number of incidents. Mushroom poisoning incidents occurred in all 16 prefectures in Yunnan Province. Wenshan, Chuxiong, Lincangy and Honghe were high-incidence areas. Among 129 counties, 91 counties reported mushroom poisoning incidents. Homes were the main place where mushroom poisoning occured, accounting for 84.49%(267/316) of the total number of poisoning incidents. The incidence of mushroom poisoning in rural areas was higher than that in urban areas, accounting for 87.97%(278/316). Picking and eating by mistake (78.80%, 249/316) was the main cause of poisonous mushroom poisoning. The main types of poisoning were Amanita exitialis (27.53%, 87/316), Russula subnigricans Hongo (17.09%, 54/316) and Heimioporus retisporus (13.29%, 42/316).ConclusionMushroom poisoning was the main cause of death from food poisoning incidents in Yunnan Province. In the "hot spot" areas where mushroom poisoning incidents occurred, prior to the high-incidence season, various forms of food safety and health education and food safety supervision of mushroom poisoning should be focused on rural areas and high risk mushroom species. Meantime, the ability of rural primary medical institutions should be improved to treat poisonous mushroom poisoning.