Epidemiological and etiological characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease in Tongzhou district of Beijing, 2009−2017

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Tongzhou district of Beijing from 2009 to 2017 and provide evidence for the prevention and control of HFMD.

MethodsData of hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) reports in Tongzhou district in recent 9 years were collected, and descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the epidemiological and pathogenic data of HFMD.

ResultsDuring the 9 years , 29 809 cases of HFMD disease were reported in Tongzhou district, with an average annual incidence of 276.04/100 000, showing a downward trend, the number of cases was high every other year. The incidence peak was from May－July. The western and northern regions have a high average annual incidence, and the top three are Majuqiao town, Liyuan town and Zhangjiawan town. The sex ratio of males and females was 1.45∶1, the cases were concentrated in the age group of 5 years old, accounting for 91.23%. In 2010, the highest proportion of serious illness case of illness, reaches 0.54%, then gradually decreased (χ²＝–6.864, P＜0.001). The composition of pathogens over the years is different (χ²＝285.149, P＜0.001), and the dominant strains are seasonally changing.

ConclusionThe incidence and proportion of severe cases of HFMD showed decline trends in Tongzhou district, and the seasonal, age and area distributions of the cases were observed. The predominant pathogens varied with season and year. It is necessary to further strengthen HFMD surveillance, health education and etiological detection. Effective comprehensive HFMD prevention and control measures should be taken in key season, area and population during the epidemic season.