Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of adenovirus outbreaks in Shenzhen during 2012-2022 and provide evidence for the prevention and control of respiratory diseases.

Methods Data of adenovirus outbreaks surveillance in Shenzhen from 2012 to 2022 were collected for descriptive statistical analyses.

Result A total of 39 adenovirus outbreaks were identified by laboratory detection in Shenzhen during 2012−2022. A total of 241 swabs were collected, in which 167 were positive for respiratory viruses (69.29%). In the respiratory virus positive samples, 147 were positive for adenovirus, 23 were positive for other respiratory viruses (3 were positive for both adenovirus and rhinovirus). In 39 adenovirus outbreaks, 33 were caused by adenovirus alone, 6 were caused by adenovirus and other respiratory viruses. A total of 369 cases were identified from 39 adenovirus outbreaks, the average attack rate was 18.70%. A total of 15 outbreaks were reported in 2019, which was the highest, followed by 4 outbreaks in 2014. Up to 69.23% of adenovirus outbreaks were identified in primary schools or middle schools, while others occurred in child care settings. October had highest outbreak count (10, 25.64%), followed by September and April (6, 15.38%).

Conclusion During 2012−2022, adenovirus outbreaks were reported in all years in Shenzhen. More adenovirus outbreaks occurred in 2019 compared with other years and adenovirus outbreaks mainly occurred in autumn and spring.Monitoring and early warning should be carried out during the school season timely to prevent the spread of the epidemic.