Study on the epidemiological characteristics of hand,foot,and mouth disease in Tai'an from 2006 to 2010

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hand,foot,and mouth disease(HFMD) in the City of Tai'an from 2006 to 2010.Methods Descriptive methods were used to analyze the data on HFMD from 2006 to 2010 in Tai'an.Results From 2006 to 2010,the City of Tai'an had 19 213 cases of HFMD,with an annual average incidence of 68.95/100000,and 4 deaths,with an annual average mortality rate of 0.01/100000.The mortality rate was 0.02%.The incidence rate gradually increased each year from 2006(623 cases) to 2010(8337 cases,with a peak incidence of 147.67/100000).Most cases occurred from May to August each year.In different years,HFMD cases increased from October to December,potentially resulting in an outbreak the following year.Economically developed areas and regions distributed along main roads had a high prevalence of HFMD.HFMD mostly affected children living apart from their parents,who accounted for 69.47% of patients.Prevalence was highest among children ages 1-2,who accounted for 46.07% of patients.Laboratory results showed that EV71 was the predominant virus in 2008 and 2009 while CA16 was predominant in 2010.Conclusion Peaks in autumn-winter outbreaks foreshadow an outbreak of HFMD in the coming year.EV71 and CA16 alternatively predominate,so HFMD remains prevalent.