Main Manifestations of the Epidemic Process of Acute Intestinal Infections in the Far Eastern Federal District in 2022

Abstract

Background: Diarrheal diseases consistently occupy one of the leading positions in the structure of infections, especially in children under the age of 5 years. A decrease in the incidence of bacterial intestinal infections and an increase in viral ones have been observed recently with an uneven territorial distribution of registered cases. Objective: To characterize the main manifestations of the epidemic process of acute intestinal infections in the Far Eastern Federal District of the Russian Federation in 2022. Materials and methods: Based on official statistics, we analyzed the incidence of acute intestinal infections by age groups, types, and administrative territories of the federal district; we also examined the outbreaks of these infections registered in 2022. Results: We established that the incidence rates of almost all leading acute intestinal infections (except for shigellosis) in the Far Eastern Federal District were higher than the Russian averages. Viral infections prevailed in the diarrhea cases with identified pathogens. Children under 6 years of age were found to be the most affected population while the highest incidence was observed in the age group of 1–2 years. We noted differences between the areas of the District and established higher disease rates in 4 of its 11 regions. Oral and direct contact routes of transmission generally prevailed, especially in collectives, leading to outbreaks. Conclusion: In general, the manifestations of the epidemic process of acute intestinal infections noted in 2022 indicate the persistence of potential epidemiologic risks of both sporadic cases and outbreaks on the territories of the Far East.