Epidemiological and etiological characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease in Sichuan Province, 2009-2016

Objective To analyze the epidemic characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease(HFMD) in Sichuan Province from 2009 to 2014 and provide evidence for prevention and control. Methods A descriptive analysis was conducted by downloading the case-data of HFMD in Sichuan Province from 2009 to 2014 from the chinese national notifiable infectious disease reporting system. Results A total of 467 714 cases of HFMD were reported from 2009 to 2016, including 4 110 severe cases and 161 deaths. The average annual incidence rate was 71.95/100 000, the severe cases rate and fatality rate were 0.88% and 0.034%. Cases in children aged 5 or younger accounted for 93.04%. Boys had higher incidence than girls(1.49:1).The scattered children accounted for 63.34%. Two peaks of incidence were observed every year, with the highest occurring between April and July and the second occurring in November. The peak of severe cases was observed from April to July. The incidence in Chengdu plain and its surrounding areas were significantly higher than other regions. A total of 31 116 cases were laboratory confirmed cases, with coxsachie virus A16 (CoxA16) accounting for 25.95%, enterovirus 71 (EV71) accounting for 29.27% and other enteroviruses 44.78%. Conclusions HFMD in Sichuan Province had strong epidemic intensity, wide geographical distribution and long duration. It is necessary to monitor the pathogenic changes and strengthen the measures to prevention and control occurrence in the high risk population and areas.