Survey of re-occurrence of hand, foot and mouth disease in Quzhou, Zhejiang, 2008-2011

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of re-infected cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Quzhou and provide evidence for the prevention and control of HFMD. Methods The incidence data of HFMD from 2008 to 2011 in Quzhou were obtained from national disease reporting information system to screen re-infection cases and calculate re-infection rate. Results From 2008 to 2011, a total of 14 782 HFMD cases were reported in Quzhou. Totally 551 persons were re-infected (1115 cases), the re-infection rate was 7.54%, in which 538 were infected for 2 times (1076 cases), 13 were infected for 3 times (39 cases). All 6 counties (districts) reported the re-infections. The interval between the first infection and the second infection was 16-1212 days, the interval between the second infection and the third infection was 127-778 days. Conclusion No obvious characteristic was observed among the re-infected cases of HFMD, it is still necessary to strengthen the HFMD prevention and control among the children who have been affected by HFMD.