Epidemiological characteristics of severe cases of hand foot and mouth disease in Shijiazhuang municipality in Hebei province,2010

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of severe cases of hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Shijiazhuang and provide evidence for the prevention and control measures to reduce the occurrence of severe case and death. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the data of HFMD cases reported by hospitals in Shijiazhuang from 1 January to 31August in 2010. Results A total of 408 severe HFMD cases were reported during this period, the significant differences on the incidences of severe cases were found among counties (district). The incidence peak was during April-July, and most severe cases were infants aged less than 1 year in rural area, which were mainly diagnosed and reported by provincial or municipal hospitals. Conclusion It is necessary to carry out surveillance and health education among high risk population and conduct training in hospitals at county level to improve the diagnosis of HFMD.