Analysis on epidemiological characteristics of scarlet fever in Henan Province, 2005-2014

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics and tendency of scarlet fever in Henan Province, and to provide the theoretical basis for the development of effective preventive and control measures. Methods Descriptive epidemiologic method was used for analyzing the epidemic of scarlet fever in Henan Province during 2005-2014. Forecast to the incidence of scarlet fever from April to July in 2015 was made by using epidemic control chart. Results Totally 8 662 cases were reported the average annual incidence was 0.921 7/100 000. The average annual incidences in Zhengzhou city and Puyang City were over 2.000 0/100 000; most cases concentrated from April to May and from November to January; the ratio of male to female was 1.66:1, which has statistical significance(χ²= 528.712,P<0.001); preschool children and students accounted for 75.43% of the total cases; those aged from 3 to 7 years accounted for 72.20% of the total cases. There would be an epidemic from April to July in 2015. Conclusions Preschool children and students were the main population of scarlet fever. To effectively control the occurrence and spreading of scarlet fever, the health surveillance and health education in the kidgartens and schools should be strengthened.