Epidemiological and etiological characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease, Sichuan, 2017-2021.

Objective To analyze the epidemic characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Sichuan province from 2017 to 2021 and to provide evidence for prevention and control. Methods A descriptive analysis was conducted by downloading the case-data of HFMD in Sichuan province during 2017 to 2021 from the Chinese National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting System. Results A total of 442 079 cases of HFMD were reported from 2017 to 2021, including 627 severe cases and 4 deaths. The average annual incidence rate was 106.17/100 000.Cases in children aged 5 or younger accounted for 90.99%. Boys had higher incidence than girls (1.35:1). The scattered children accounted for 63.34%. Two peaks of incidence were observed other years, except for a few years, with the highest occurring between April to July and the second occurring in November to December. The incidence in Chengdu plain and its surrounding areas were significantly higher than other regions. Other enteroviruses (non-enterovirus 71 and Coxsackie virus A16) were the main pathogen, accounting for 71.45%; Coxsackie virus A16 accounted for 21.20% and enterovirus 71 accounted for 7.35%. Conclusion The incidence of HFMD in Sichuan Province is high from 2017 to 2021. The proportion of severe cases has significantly decreased (χ² = 273.241, P <0.001), and the main pathogen is the other enteroviruses (non-enterovirus 71 and Coxsackie virus A16). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]