Epidemiology of hand foot and mouth disease in Fujian, 2010-2012

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Fujian province and provide evidence for HFMD prevention and control. Methods The surveillance data of HFMD in Fujian from 2010 to 2012 were analyzed with SAS 9.0. Results A total of 209 765 HFMD cases were reported during this period, including 1895 severe cases and 70 deaths. The reported annual average incidence was 190.59/lakh and the death rate was 0.06/lakh. More cases, including severe cases and deaths, occurred in males than in females. The incidence of HFMD was with certain degree geographic clustering and obvious seasonality. The cases occurred in all age groups (1 day-80 years old). Most cases were children aged4 years (91.74%), the severe cases mainly occurred among children aged3 years (92.25%) and the deaths mainly occurred among children aged2 years (94.28%). The severe rate declined with age in children aged5 years. The major pathogen was EV71, but the constituent ratio of EV71 was in decline. The constituent ratio of other enteric virus was in increase, but most severe cases and deaths were still caused by EV71. Conclusion HFMD spread in the province with the characteristics of high incidence, high case fatality rate in severe cases and fast deterioration to death, especially among the children aged3 years. It is therefore necessary to strengthen the prevention and control of HFMD in risk populations, including children and their daily caregivers, and in key places, including child care settings.