Epidemiology of hand, foot and mouth disease in Lucheng district, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 2010-2011

Objective understand the epidemiological characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Lucheng District in Wenzhou during 2010-2011 and provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of HFMD. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the incidence data of HFMD collected from Lucheng District CDC and national disease reporting information system. Results A total of 7552 cases of HFMD were reported in Lucheng during this period with the average annual incidence of 291.99/lakh.The cases mainly occurred form May to July, accounting for 51.61%. The male to female ratio of the cases was 1:0.66. The difference on the incidence between males and females had statistically significance (2=195.267, P0.001). Most cases were children aged 0 to 5 years old, accounting for 92.23%. The cases in children outside child care settings accounted for 88.14%. The incidence of floating population was higher than that in local population. Among 155 laboratory confirmed cases, 124 were EV71 infections. Conclusion The prevention and control of HFMD should be conducted according to its local epidemiological characteristics.