Abstract: ObjectiveTo analyze epidemiological features of scrub typhus from 2006 to 2015 in Guangdong Province and explore characteristics of its spatial and temporal distributions, so as to provide scientific basis for developing effective strategies and measures for control of scrub typhus.MethodsEpidemic data of scrub typhus from 2006 to 2015 in Guangdong Province were collected from the China information System for Disease Prevention and Control. The data of incidences of scrub typhus were analyzed by using spatial autocorrelation analysis and spatiotemporal scan statistics, and geographical information system.ResultsFrom 2006 to 2015, a total of 20 178 cases of scrub typhus were reported in Guangdong Province, including 24 deaths. The annual incidence was 2.02/100,000, with an increasing trend annually (P<0.01). Two peaks in incidence were observed, the first as the highest one during June to July and the second during September to October. The spatial positive correlation at county (district) level was found and showed significant spatial clustering (Moran's I index =0.256, P<0.01). Local spatial association analysis indicated that 21 counties, including Deqing, Huaiji, Yangshan, and Guangning, were hotspots (GiZ =1.69-5.77, both P<0.01), forming high incidence areas of scrub typhus. Whereas with the low incidence, Fengshun county was the only cold spot area of scrub typhus in Guangdong Province (GiZ=-1.72, P>0.05). Four clustering areas were found by time-space scanning during 2006 to 2015, and 46 counties (districts) were classified as Class 1 clustering area (LLR=8 640.82, RR=7.10, P<0.01), taking the cities of Qingyuan and Lianzhou as the center, with a radius of 243.31 km, including 46 counties (districts) of Guangning, Yunan, and Huaiji, accounting for 35.66% (46/129) of all counties (districts) in Guangdong Province.ConclusionThe incidence of scrub typhus increased yearly from 2016 to 2015 in Guangdong Province, with a significant feature of spatiotemporal clustering. Effective measures should be taken for target population to decrease the incidence of scrub typhus in the high-risk areas during the high occurrence seasons.