Epidemiological characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease in Quzhou municipality in Zhejiang province, 2008 - 2010

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Quzhou from 2008 to 2010 and provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of the disease. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the incidence data of HFMD reported during this period. Results A total of 9568 HFMD cases were reported with the average annual incidence of 128.18/lakh. The highest average annual incidence rate was reported in Kecheng district (272.17/lakh) and the lowest in Jiangshan district (51.41/lakh). The case number in males was obviously higher than that in females. Children aged 0-5 years were in high risk, the cases among them accounted for 95.80% of the total. The incidence peak occurred during April-July in 2008 and 2010, and two incidence peaks occurred during April-July and during October-December in 2009. Etiological surveillance indicated that HFMD cases were mainly caused by Cox A16 infection in 2009 and EV 71 in 2008 and 2010. Conclusion The incidence of HTMD varied by age, sex, population and season in Quzhou, the circulating virus was different in different year and re-infection was found.