Epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of hand foot and mouth disease in Guangxi, 2016−2021

  Objective  To analysis the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of hand-foot -mouth disease (HFMD) in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region from 2016 to 2021, and provide evidence for HFMD prevention and control.

  Methods  The incidence data of HFMD in Guangxi during this period were collected from China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, and the geographic information were from Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Software ArcGIS 10.5 was used to analysis spatial auto correlation analysis and visual mapping of HFMD. Software SaTScan 9.3 was used to conduct for scanning the areas with spatiotemporal- clustering.

  Results  A total of 1 174 847 HFMD cases were reported in Guangxi from 2016 to 2021. The cases in children under 5 years old accounted for 91.36% of the total cases. The male to female ratio of the cases was 1.46∶l. The incidence of HFMD showed a positive spatial auto correlation (Moran's I was between 0.18 to 0.35, P<0.01). The “high-high clustering” was mainly in Nanning, Liuzhou and surrounding areas, consistent with high incidence areas. The results from spatiotemporal scanning showed that the temporal clustering of HFMD occurred from April to October. The type Ⅰ clustering areas were in the counties of Nanning, Liuzhou, Hechi and Fangchenggang, covering the central area and southern area of Guangxi. While the type Ⅱ clustering areas were mainly distributed in the east area of Guangxi.

  Conclusion  Significant spatiotemporal distribution of HFMD were found in Guangxi. The HFMD prevention and control measure should be strengthened in the central area and southern area of Guangxi, and in eastern area of Guangxi during epidemic period.