Analysis on acute infectious disease outbreaks in schools in Zhongshan, Guangdong, 2007-2016

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of outbreaks of acute infectious disease in schools in Zhongshan, Guangdong province, during 2007-2016 and provide evidence for the prevention and control of acute infectious disease in schools. Methods The incidence data of infectious disease outbreaks in schools in Zhongshan from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2016 were collected through national public health emergency reporting management system for a retrospective analysis. Results Eighty outbreaks of acute infectious diseases, involving 9 diseases, occurred in schools in Zhongshan during this period. A total of 2 564 cases were reported without death, and 108 914 people were affected. The average attack rate was 2.35%. Up to 66.25% of the epidemics were respiratory infectious disease outbreaks, and the cases accounted for 68.53% of total cases. There were two peaks of the outbreaks, and the first one was during March-June, mainly caused by hand foot and mouth disease and varicella, while the second one was during September-January, mainly caused by varicella and influenza A(H1N1) pdm09. The average attack rate in schools in rural area (3.11%) was higher than that in schools in urban area (1.72%)(2=227.38, P0.01). Up to 80.00% of the outbreaks occurred in child care settings and primary schools. The attack rate (6.64%) was the highest in child care settings, followed by primary schools. The median intervals between the occurrence and reporting of outbreaks was 12 days, while the median duration of the outbreaks was 19 days. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that they were positively correlated (r=0.76, P0.01). Conclusion It is necessary to strengthen the monitoring and control of respiratory infectious diseases in schools especially in child care settings and primary schools, for the early detection of outbreak.