Abstract:
Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Wuwei, Gansu province, China, 2010—2019, and to explore the influence of meteorological factors on HFMD.
Methods The surveillance data on HFMD in Wuwei from 2010 to 2019 were collected to analyze the temporal, spatial, and population distributions of HFMD and the pathogen spectrum composition of HFMD. Relevant meteorological data were collected. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the incidence of HFMD and meteorological factors.
Results From 2010 to 2019, a total of 8 590 cases of HFMD were reported in Wuwei, with an average annual incidence of 47.03/100 000. Most cases were children under 5 years old. The incidence of HFMD in males was higher than that in females. The incidence of HFMD showed obvious seasonality, with two epidemic peaks in a year: a primary peak from May to July and a secondary peak from September to November. The pathogen-positive rate was 52.25% (650/1 244) in a total of 1 244 HFMD samples including 866 throat swabs, 283 stool samples, and 95 blister fluid samples. Among the pathogens, the positive rate for EV71 was 14.31% (178/1 244), 17.28% (215/1 244) for CoxA16, and 20.66% (257/1 244) for other enteroviruses. Air pressure, air temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, and evaporation had different degrees of effects on the incidence of HFMD in various areas of Wuwei. Air temperature was the main meteorological factor in Liangzhou District (t = 2.98, P < 0.05), evaporation in Gulang county (t = -2.80, P < 0.05), and air pressure in Tianzhu county (t = 2.72, P < 0.05).
Conclusion The incidence of HFMD significantly differs in different regions and populations of Wuwei, and has obvious seasonality. Air temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, precipitation and evaporation are closely related to the incidence of HFMD. Meteorological monitoring data can be helpful in preventing and reducing the incidence of HFMD.