Analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis outbreaks in Guangdong, 2007 and discussion of the report standards

Objective　The study was conducted to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis(AHC) outbreaks in Guangdong in 2007, exploring the report standards for AHC outbreaks. Methods　A descriptive epidemiological analysis was made on the data of AHC outbreaks, as well as closed case reports, documented by the Public Health Emergency Report and Information Management System in Guangdong, 2007. Results　A total of 64 cases of AHC outbreaks were reported in Guangdong in 2007, most of which were found prevalent in schools and factories in such key cities as Shenzhen and Guangzhou of the Pearl River Delta. The outbreaks were reported to peak in September, and they seemed to last a shorter period in schools than in factories, which might be due to greater initiative of the schools in reporting AHC outbreaks. Additionally, reports of AHC outbreaks that induced more than ten cases in gathering places in one week were found lagging behind the actual time of the outbreaks, according to the current report standards. CoxA24 Variants were considered to be the primary pathogen of the AHC outbreaks. Conclusion　Intensified prevention and control of AHC epidemic is needed in the Pearl River Delta region of concentrated population, particularly in schools and factories, the critical periods being in August and September. The reports, investigation and management of AHC outbreaks should be standardized. In particular, the report standards should be revised to elevate the sensitivity of report. It is suggested to combine epidemic surveillance with the public health emergency report and information management system for the betterment of prevention and control of AHC outbreaks.