Epidemiology of hand foot and mouth disease in Gongshu district of Hangzhou,2010-2014

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Gongshu district of Hangzhou from 2010 to 2014 and provide evidence for the local control and early warning of HFMD. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the incidence and pathogen surveillance results of HFMD in Gongshu during this period. Results A total of 2576 HFMD cases, including 1 severe case, were reported without death. The average incidence rate was 99.43/lakh. The annual incidence during 2010-2013 was relatively stable, but in 2014 it increased obviously to 182.70/lakh. The incidence peak of HFMD was during April-July and the sub peak occurred during September-October. The male to female ratio of the cases was 1.51:1. The cases aged 0-5 years accounted for 96.43% of the total. Most cases were children outside child settings or preschool aged children, accounting for 97.79%. The cases were reported in all the communities, especially in the suburban area, and the incidence rate was highest in Xiangfu. A total of 42 HFMD outbreaks occurred, which mainly affected schools and child care settings, accounting for 80.95%. The main pathogens causing HFMD changed from only other enterovirus during 2012-2013 to both EV71 and other enterovirus in 2014. Conclusion The incidence of HFMD was stable in Gongshu during 2010-2014, but the seasonality and population distribution of HFMD were obvious. Children outside child care settings or preschool aged children was the major high risk population, It is essential to strengthen the prevention and control of HFMD in risk groups and places, and it is necessary to carry out the epidemic risk analysis of HFMD based on routine monitoring and etiological surveillance.