Epidemiological characteristics of scarlet fever in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, 2009–2018

ObjectiveTo understand the incidence trend and epidemiological characteristics of scarlet fever in Ordos of Inner Mongolia, and provide evidence for the prevention and control of scarlet fever.

MethodsDescriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the incidence data of scarlet fever in Ordos during 2009–2018.

ResultsA total of 3 150 cases of scarlet fever were reported in Ordos during this period. The average annual morbidity rate was 16.50/100 000, and the morbidity rate was 1.58 times higher in boys than in girls. The incidence of scarlet fever had obvious seasonality, which peaked during May-July and October-January, respectively. The cases mainly occurred in age group 3–10 years, accounting for 94.16% of the total (2 966/3 150). The cases in children in child care settings (1 900 cases), students (889 cases) and children outside child care settings (336 cases) accounted for 60.32%, 28.22% and 10.67% of the total cases, respectively.

ConclusionThe incidence of scarlet fever increased in Ordos during 2009–2018. The cases mainly occurred in late spring, early summer and winter. The incidence of scarlet fever was higher in boys than in girls.