Epidemiology of hand, foot and mouth disease in Yixing, Jiangsu,2008-2011

Objective To learn about the epidemiological characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Yixing from 2008 to 2011 and provide evidence for the effective prevention and control of HFMD. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the incidence data of HFMD during this period. Results The incidence of HFMD increased rapidly with the average annual increase rate of 59.77%. The incidence in developed area or with dense floating population was significantly higher than in other areas. The seasonality of the disease was obvious with the incidence peak during April-July and sub-peak during November-December. The differences on population distribution of the cases, severe case rate and pathogen proportion during two incidence peaks were statistical significant. The average interval between onset and medical care seeking declined year by year (P0.01).The severe case rate in 2010 was highest (P0.01).The difference on the pathogen proportion between mild cases and severe cases was statistical significant (P=0.042). Conclusion The incidence of HFMD varied with season, the HFMD prevention and control should be focused on the prevention and treatment of severe form of HFMD.