Abstract: Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of hand-foot-mouth diseases (HFMD) in Baoshan District for its control and prevention (2008-2011).Methods The data on HFMD incidence from 2008 to 2011 in Baoshan District was analyzed by descriptive epidemiology.Results During the four years, the annual average incidence of HFMD in Baoshan District was 152.53/100 000 (from 95.18/100 000 to 190.23/100 000). The incidence rate in males was higher than in females. There were 8 436 cases under 5 years old，accounting for 92.05%. In resident population the disease was mainly found in kindergartens and daycare centers children, and in the floating population living scattered children were in the majority suffering the disease. The peak of HFMD incidence was from April to July. There were 55 severe HFMD cases, mainly found in the floating population from 2008 to 2011. From 2009 to 2011, the positivity rate of enterovirus was increased year by year and the pathogen spectrum changed every year. The positivity rate of EV71 in severe or dead cases was 90.91%, higher than that of monitoring-point cases and clustering of cases. The incidence of HFMD in Baoshan District from 2008 to 2011 was at high intensity prevalence state, and mainly occurred in children under the age of 5 years, showing apparently a seasonal feature.Conclusion The severe or dead HFMD cases were mainly caused by EV71. The epidemiological and etiological research of HFMD will be helpful to propose further target-oriented prevention and control measures.