Epidemiological characteristics of communicable disease related public health emergencies in schools (child care settings) in China, 2014–2016

ObjectiveTo understand the epidemiological characteristics of communicable disease related public health emergencies in schools (including child care settings) in China.

MethodsThe incidence data of communicable disease related public health emergencies in schools in China from 2014 to 2016 were collected from public health emergency information system for a descriptive epidemiological analysis.

ResultsA total of 3 491 communicable disease related public health emergencies occurred in schools were reported in China from 2014 to 2016, involving 116 682 cases and 16 deaths. The first 5 communicable diseases were varicella, hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD), influenza, mumps and other infectious diarrhea, the epidemics caused by these diseases accounted for 94.41% of the total. Two incidence peaks were reported, one was in spring and another one was in winter. Varicella was main respiratory infectious disease in spring and winter, HFMD was main intestinal infectious diseases in spring and other infectious diarrheal diseases mainly occurred in winter. The most commonly reported communicable diseases in child care settings, primary schools and middle schools were varicella, HFMD and influenza.

ConclusionRespiratory infectious diseases are the main diseases reported in public health emergencies in schools in China. It is essential to conduct targeted disease prevention and control in different schools and in different seasons to reduce the incidence of communicable disease related public health emergencies in schools.