Epidemiological characteristics and temporal-spatial clustering analysis on hand, foot, and mouth disease in Jingzhou city of Hubei province, 2017

Abstract

Objective To analyze the epidemiolgoical characteristics of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Jingzhou city in 2017, so as to provide scientific evidences for prevention and control of HFMD. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted using the incidence data of HFMD in Jingzhou, 2017. Temporal scan statistics were used to analyze the seasonality of HFMD. Spatial-temporal scan statistics were used to analyze the temporal and spatial clustering of HFMD. Results A total of 5 253 HFMD cases were reported in Jingzhou in 2017, with an incidence rate of 92.19/100 000. The majority of cases were children under 5 years old, especially in age group of 1-2 years old. More cases occurred in males than in females, and most cases were scattered children. The single peak feature can be found, and the peak occurred from May 2 to July 9. The spatial-temporal scanning indicated space-time clustering at the scale of township or community. The main clusters were in some townships of Jingzhou district, Shashi district, and Songzi city. The three secondary clusters were in some townships or communities in Shishou city and Gong'an county, Huanghu Farm in Jianli county, Chahe town in Honghu city. The clustering time were mainly from April to June. Conclusions In 2017, the incidence of HFMD was low in Jingzhou city. HFMD had obvious clustering characteristics in space and time. Prevention and control of HFMD should be strengthed in urban area of Jinzhou city and in some townships arround the city. Key words: Hand, foot, and mouth disease; Epidemiolgoical characteristics; Spatial clustering; Spatial-temporal scanning