A clustering study on HFMD in Shenzhen based on street scale

Objective To explore the spatiotemporal clusters of hand, foot and mouth disease in Shenzhen and provide the basis for future development of targeted prevention strategies and measures. Methods The incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) among different streets in Shenzhen were calculated. Retrospective space-time permutation scan statistics analysis were applied to analyze HFMD reporting data of Shenzhen from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. Results In 2014, 49 385 cases of HFMD cases were collected in Shenzhen. Among different streets in Shenzhen, the highest incidence of HFMD was 1 873.00/100 000 and the lowest incidence of HFMD was 13.44/100 000. A total of 21 significant mumps clusters were detected, including 29 streets. All clusters mainly occurred on April to Jun, which were also the HFMD epidemic peaks in Shenzhen. Conclusions Space-time Permutation scan statistics could be used to clearly and fully evaluate spatiotemporal clustering characteristics of infectious disease, and provide more valuable information for the disease control and prevention.