Analysis on communicable disease outbreaks in Lingwu, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, 2004 - 2008

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of communicable disease outbreaks in Lingwu. Methods The data of communicable disease outbreaks from 2004 - 2008 were collected to conduct descriptive epidemiological analysis. Results A total of 37 outbreaks occurred, affecting 467 persons. The outbreaks mainly occurred in schools, accounting for 94.59%, in which 33 occurred in primary schools and child caring settings (94.29%). The major diseases were varicella and mumps. Most outbreaks were during March-June and during September-December. Two outbreaks were considered as public health emergencies (5.41%). Conclusion Communicable disease outbreak is prone to occur in schools, it is necessary to strengthen the health intervention in school to prevent and control the outbreaks of respiratory diseases, such as influenza and varicella, etc.