Epidemiological and etiological characteristics of hand, foot, and mouth disease in Yichang, 2009-2017

Abstract

Objective To understand the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Yichang city from 2009 to 2017, so as to provide evidence for the prevention and control measures accordingly. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on information of HFMD cases and pathogen detection results in Yichang City from 2009 to 2017 obtained from China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. Results A total of 44 619 HFMD cases were reported in Yichang city from 2009 to 2017. The average annual incidence rate was 124.23/100 000. HFMD showed seasonality of incidence with two peaks in May and December. The incidence of HFMD was high in children aged under 10 years old. The scattered children and children in kindergartens were the major population affected. The etiological results showed that other enteroviruses dominated the pathogenic spectrum of HFMD in Yichang city, followed by coxsackievirus A16 and enterovirus 71 with the constituent ratios of 41.74% (895/2 144), 31.02% (665/2 144), and 26.59% (570/2 144), respectively. Conclusions The prevention and control of HFMD in children during the peak periods of HFMD and further classification of other enteroviruses should be strengthened. Key words: Hand, foot, and mouth disease; Epidemiology; Etiological features; Enteroviruses