Epidemiological Characteristics of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Outbreaks in Qingdao, 2009-2018

Jing Jia; Fei Kong; Xueling Xin; Jiwei Liang; Hualei Xin; Liyan Dong; Fachun Jiang

doi:10.18502/ijph.v50i5.6117

Jing Jia Department of Acute Infectious Disease, Qingdao Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Prevention Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
Fei Kong Sinopec Research Institute of Safety Engineering, Qingdao, Shandong, China
Xueling Xin Department of Acute Infectious Disease, Qingdao Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Prevention Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
Jiwei Liang Department of Acute Infectious Disease, Qingdao Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Prevention Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
Hualei Xin Department of Acute Infectious Disease, Qingdao Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Prevention Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
Liyan Dong Department of Acute Infectious Disease, Qingdao Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Prevention Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
Fachun Jiang Department of Acute Infectious Disease, Qingdao Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Prevention Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v50i5.6117

Keywords: Hand; Foot; Mouth disease; Outbreak; Epidemiology

Abstract

Background: In China, hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreaks have become an important issue recent years. We analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of HFMD outbreaks in Qingdao during 2009- 2018, and provided evidences for prevention and control of the disease.

Methods: Data were analyzed by descriptive analysis and correlation analysis, and throat swabs were detected for enterovirus RNA using RT-PCR.

Results: Overall, 116 HFMD outbreaks were reported in Qingdao during 2009-2018, with the epidemic of the outbreaks exhibiting a decreasing tendency. The characteristics of outbreaks presented two patterns, including two-peak pattern and rural area to urban-rural fringe area to urban areas pattern. Male patients were predominant in these outbreaks. The location of the outbreaks changed from nursery to community. Non-EV71/CA16 enteroviruses were gradually becoming predominant enteroviruses serotypes. The durations of outbreaks were positively correlated with response times and the number of cases.

Conclusion: The epidemiological characteristics analysis of HFMD outbreaks could provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control the disease. Reporting and handling promptly are the keys to control epidemic outbreaks of HFMD.