To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of severe and deceased cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Hebei province, so as to provide reference for prevention and control of the disease.

Severe and deceased HFMD cases reported from the National Disease Surveillance Information Management System and the laboratory testing result in Hebei province from 2010 to 2016 were analyzed. Descriptive epidemiological method involving the distribution of population, area, time and pathogeny were used for the analysis.

From 2010 to 2016, 3 803 severe HFMD cases and 162 deceased cases were reported in Hebei province, and the ratio of severe cases among all HFMD patients was 0.75%. A chi-square test showed that the incidence of severe HFMD between males and females was significantly different (χ²=239.37, P<0.001), and scattered children were the main patient. Infants less than six months of age had the highest ratio of severe HFMD cases, the group of one-year-old and younger children had the highest proportion of severe HFMD cases. The severe ratio and severe incidence of Xingtai, Langfang and Hengshui were the top three prefectures having the highest proportions of severe cases. The number of severe cases fluctuated over the past 7years, but showed a downward trend. The constituent ratios of EV-A71 in severe cases and deaths were 79.25% and 92.66%, respectively.

Severe HFMD epidemics showed a declining trend in Hebei province. EV-A71 is still the main pathogen of both severe and fatal cases. It is necessary to strengthen the prophylactic and therapeutic measures for the young children (< 2 years).

Hand, foot and mouth disease; Severe cases; Deceased cases; Enterovirus; Epidemiological characteristics