The Etiological Characteristics of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Yuyao, China, 2010-2023

Background: We aimed to analyze the etiological composition of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Yuyao from 2010 to 2023, and to provide scientific decision and basis for the development of preventive and control measures for HFMD. Methods: Employing descriptive epidemiological methods, we analyzed the etiological results of mild cases of HFMD monitored from 2010 to 2023. Results: From 2010 to 2023, 4,294 samples from HFMD patients in Yuyao, China were analyzed, with 2,362 (55.01%) testing positive for enteroviruses. The most common serotypes were EV71 (30.57%), CA16 (25.91%), and CA6 (8.26%). There was a significant variation in positivity rates over the years, with the lowest in 2023 (22.61%) and the highest in 2012 (95.45%). EV71 was the dominant serotype before 2018, but other serotypes became more prevalent afterward, with CA6 emerging as the primary strain post-2018.HFMD cases occurred year-round, with a clear seasonal pattern peaking from April to October, especially in May. This period accounted for 81.63% of all cases. The disease affected individuals of all ages, but the majority (83.74%) were children under six. Males had a higher detection rate than females, with a significant difference between the genders. Conclusion: Between 2010 and 2023, the composition of pathogens causing HFMD in Yuyao underwent significant changes. These observations not only deepened the understanding of the epidemic trends and etiological evolution of the disease in the area but also provided scientific support for the development of more targeted prevention and control measures.