Analysis on outbreaks of communicable diseases in Changping district of Beijing city, 2009

Objective To analyze the outbreaks of communicable diseases in Changping in 2009. Methods The descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the epidemic data of communicable diseases in Changping during this period. Results Twenty one outbreaks of communicable diseases occurred in 2009, of which 13 occurred in schools and child care settings (61.90%). Children in child care settings and students were the populations mostly affected. The diseases were mainly hand foot and mouth disease, 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) and varicella, which accounted for 33.33%, 28.57% and 23.81% of the total outbreaks, respectively. Most outbreaks occurred in the areas with high population density and mass floating population. Conclusion The untimely detection and reporting of communicable diseases was the main reason of the outbreaks. It is necessary to strengthen the communicable diseases prevention and control in schools and child care settings to protect childrens health by early detection, reporting and timely response.