Epidemiology and etiology of hand foot and mouth disease in Huzhou, Zhejiang, 2010-2013

Objective To understand the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, from 2010 to 2013, and provide evidence for HFMD prevention and control. Methods The incidence data of HFMD in Huzhou from 2010-2013 were collected from national disease reporting information system to conduct descriptive epidemiological analysis. Throat-swab specimens were collected from HFMD cases in sentinel hospitals for enterovirus detection by using real-time RT-PCR. Results A total of 16 641 HFMD cases were reported during this period, the annual incidence was 156.15/lakh. The incidence curve showed the peak was during May-June. The cases were mainly children aged 5 years. The average incidence of males was higher than that of females. The overall positive rate of enterovirus was 55.65%, and the positive rat was 16.68% for EV-A71, 16.53% for Cox A16 and 22.44% for other enteroviruses. The incidence varied with area and the incidence in floating population was high. Conclusion HFMD is one of the priority communicable diseases in Huzhou, it is important to strengthen the HFMD surveillance to protect children's health.