Epidemiology of hand, foot and mouth disease in mainland of China, 2011

Objective understand the epidemiological characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in the mainland of China in 2011 and provide evidence for HFMD prevention and control. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conduct on the surveillance data of HFMD reported through national disease reporting information system in 2011. Results A total of 1 619 706 cases of HFMD, including 509 deaths, were reported in the mainland of China in 2011. The reported incidence was 120.79/lakh, the death rate was 0.038/lakh and the case fatality rate was 0.031%. The peak of the incidence, including severe cases and deaths, occurred in summer (May-July), and the sub peak occurred in autumn (October-December). The severe cases and deaths accounted for 1.1%-1.2% of the total cases during May-July, and the severe cases and deaths accounted for 0.7%-0.8% of the total cases during October-December. Most cases were children aged5 years (90%) and the severe cases and deaths mainly occurred in children aged3 years (83% for each). Etiological surveillance indicated that the major pathogens were EV71 and Cox A16 (totally 79%). EV71 was predominant all the year round, but the proportions of Cox A16 and other enteric virus increased slightly during October-December. Conclusion The incidence level of HFMD in 2011 was similar to that in previous years in the mainland of China, but two incidence peaks occurred, less severe cases or deaths occurred in autumn peak than in summer peak.