Epidemiological characteristics of public health emergencies caused by nosocomial infection in China, 2004–2017

ObjectiveTo understand the epidemiological characteristics of public health emergencies caused by nosocomial infection in China, and provide evidence for the prevention and control of public health emergencies caused by nosocomial infection.

MethodsDescriptive analysis was conducted on the incidence of public health emergencies caused by nosocomial infection in China reported through national public health emergency management information system from 2004 to 2017.

ResultsFrom 2004 to 2017, a total of 66 public health emergencies of infectious diseases caused by nosocomial infection were reported in China. A total of 2 340 cases were reported, including 485 medical staffs. The number of public health emergencies caused by nosocomial infection was higher in summer. The public health emergencies caused by influenza, norovirus infection and measles, the top three diseases, accounted for 71% (47/66) of the total. The top 3 departments in which public health emergencies caused by nosocomial infection were psychiatry, rehabilitation and internal medicine departments.

ConclusionInfluenza, norovirus infection and other respiratory and intestinal infectious diseases were the main causes of nosocomial infections causing public health emergencies in China. Comprehensive prevention and control measures of nosocomial infection, including improving the management of nosocomial infection, strengthening the training on infectious disease prevention and control in medical staff and health education in people, and strengthening personal protection, are the key measures to reduce the incidence of public health emergency caused by nosocomial infection.