Abstract: Objective To analyze the tendency and epidemic characteristics of scarlet fever in Jilin Province for scientific evidence to plan effective prevention and control strategies. Methods Cases of scarlet fever reported in Jilin Province were retrieved from 2010 to 2019 through China Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and descriptive epidemiological method was used to analyze the distribution characteristics of this infectious disease in Jilin from 2010 to 2019. Results Totally, 26 614 cases of scarlet fever were reported in Jilin Province from 2010 through 2019, with an average annual incidence rate of 9. 71/ 100 000. This disease was prevalent throughout the year, yet characterized in seasonal fashion, peaked between May and June, and October and December. Although scarlet fever was generally prevalent in each city (prefecture), yet highest in Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture (23. 12/ 100 000), Jilin City(16. 68/ 100 000) and Songyuan City(10. 84/ 100 000). The incidence rate varied among different areas (P<0. 05). Students (41. 88% ),children at nursery(40. 67% ) and scattered living children (15. 96% ) were mostly affected, particularly those aged under 15 years(97. 87% ). The reported cases were higher in boys than in girls, with a ratio of 1. 44 ∶ 1, and the incidence rate was 11. 30/ 100 000 for boys and 8. 08/ 100 000 for girls. The difference was significant (P<0. 05). The highest distribution was in children aged 5 ~ 6 years, with reported incidence being 230. 01/ 100 000. Conclusion The incidence of scarlet fever appears in periodical fashion in Jilin Province, and students and children at nursery are at high risks of infection. Prevalence of this infectious disease is most associated with winter and spring seasons, suggesting that prevention and control of scarlet fever in schools and nursery institutions as well as areas with high incidence should be strengthened in winter and spring seasons in order to control the spread of this infection.

Key words: Scarlet fever, Epidemiological characteristic, Surveillance, Jilin Province