Surveillance for hand foot and mouth disease in Liuyang, Hunan, 2011-2012

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Liuyang, Hunan province, and provide evidence for the development of HFMD prevention and control strategies. Methods The incidence data of HFMD in Liuyang during 2011-2012 were collected from national disease reporting information system to conduct descriptive epidemiological analysis. Results A total of 7627 HFMD cases were reported, the average annual incidence was 296.36/lakh. The cases mainly occurred during May-June and October-November, accounting for 60.48% of the total. The male to female ratio of the cases was 1.70:1. The incidence was 369.33/lakh in males and 221.91/lakh in females, the difference was statistically significant (2=8.91, P0.01). The cases were mainly distributed in children aged 0-4 years, accounting for 96.46%; and in children outside child care settings, accounting for 81.69%. The incidence in areas with dense population and a large number of floating population was higher than that in mountain areas, the difference had statistical significance (2=27.08, P0.01). Among 132 laboratory confirmed cases, EV71, Cox A16 and other enteric virus infections accounted for 43.18%, 20.46% and 36.36% respectively. Conclusion The incidence of HFMD in Liuyang has obvious seasonal, age, gender, regional differences. Children aged 0-4 years are the risk population.