Epidemiological Characteristics of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Yunyang County of Chongqing, China, 2012-2016

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) in Yunyang County so as to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of HFMD. Methods: HFMD data reported in Yunyang County between 2012 and 2016 were collected, and the epidemic characteristics were analyzed by descriptive epidemiology. All statistical analyses were performed with SAS9.2 software. Results: A total of 6270 cases of HFMD were reported in Yunyang County from 2012 to 2016 with the annual average incidence of 135.26 per 100,000, including 17 severe cases and 3 death cases, 3697 males, and 2573 females. 5911 were clinically confirmed and 359 were confirmed by laboratory tests. A high incidence appeared every two years with peaks from April to June and from September to December. The top three districts with the highest cases were Shuangjiang Street, Qinglong Street, and Fengming Town. The distribution of the population mainly occurred in children ≤ 5 years old. In the case of occupation distribution, scattered children and preschool children dominated, accounting for 80.69% and 15.34% of the total respectively. 359 cases were EV positive, including human Enterovirus 71(EV71) (33.98%), Coxsackie virus type A16 (23.96%), and non-EV71 and non-Cox A16 Enterovirus (other EV) (42.06%). Conclusions: Yunyang County has a high incidence from 2012 to 2016 with obvious seasonal, regional and population distribution. The main pathogens were Enteroviruses, among which Enterovirus 71 (EV71) was the most harmful one. Therefore, we need to strengthen the monitoring of HFMD in the high-risk seasons and population so as to reduce the outbreak and prevalence of HFMD.