Journal of Tropical Diseases and Parasitology ›› 2025, Vol. 23 ›› Issue (2): 91-97.doi: 10.20199/j.issn.1672-2302.2025.02.006

• SPECIAL TOPICS ON PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF HAND, FOOTAND MOUTH DISEASE • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Epidemiological characteristics and temporal-spatial clustering analysis of hand, foot and mouth disease in Chengdu City from 2014 to 2023

XU Kai(), WANG Yao, SU Liyuan, FENG Songqi, CHENG Yue, LIU Hui()   

  1. Chengdu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
  • Received:2024-09-24 Online:2025-04-20 Published:2025-06-04
  • Contact: LIU Hui, E-mail: 413470376@qq.com

Abstract:

Objective To analyze the epidemiological and spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Chengdu area so as to provide evidence for targeted prevention and control of this infection. Methods The data on HFMD cases and pathogen surveillance in Chengdu from 2014 to 2023 were retrieved from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the characteristics of temporal, population and regional distribution. Spatial autocorrelation analysis and spatiotemporal scan statistics were used to analyze the clustering of HFMD in time and space. Results A total of 337 633 HFMD cases were reported in Chengdu area from 2014 through 2023, during which the incidence reported ranged from 83.53/100 000 to 383.86/100 000, with an annual incidence being 195.82/100 000 on average. The prevalence peaked in April-July and November-December in general. Cases were predominant in population ≤6 years old (96.44%), and most involved in children living at home (59.35%). The annual incidence rate was 224.52/100 000 for males and 166.81/100 000 for females. Global spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed a positive spatial correlation in 2015 (Moran's I = 0.19, Z=2.03, P < 0.05). Local spatial autocorrelation identified “high-high” clusters in peripheral urban districts (e.g., Xindu, Pidu) and “low-low” clusters in core urban districts (e.g., Gaoxin, Qingyang). Spatiotemporal scan analysis indicated primary clusters in peripheral districts (e.g., Chongzhou, Dayi, Longquanyi) during May-August and October-November. Other enteroviruses (untyped) were dominated from 2017 to 2020, whereas CVA6 became predominant from 2021 to 2023. Conclusion HFMD in Chengdu area exhibited spatiotemporal clustering, primarily affecting children ≤6 years old, with CVA6 as dominant pathogen in past years. Our findings suggest that prevention efforts should focus on high-risk seasons, key areas, and vulnerable populations.

Key words: Hand, foot and mouth disease, Epidemiological characteristics, Pathogen, Spatiotemporal clustering, Chengdu City

CLC Number: