ABSTRACT
Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and seasonal distribution of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in a suburban town in Shanghai from 2012 to 2018, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating effective prevention and control strategies. Methods The incidence data of a suburban town in Shanghai from 2012 to 2018 was collected through the Chinese disease prevention and control information system and analyzed by descriptive epidemiological methods. Results From 2012 to 2018, a total of 538 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease were reported in the suburban town in Shanghai, with an average annual incidence of 186.27/100,000. The difference in incidence between each year was statistically significant (χ2=107.95, P<0.05). The age of onset was mainly children under 5 years old. Peak incidence was from May to September. The main occupation was scattered children. HFMD outbreaks mainly occurred in nurseries and schools, accounting for 60.53% of the total number of outbreaks. Conclusion From 2012 to 2018, the incidence of HFMD in a suburban town in Shanghai had a certain seasonality. It is recommended to implement preventive measures against HFMD for key populations and key places before the high incidence period to reduce the occurrence of severe cases and epidemic situations.