Epidemiological characteristics of scarlet fever in Minhang District， Shanghai from 2005 to 2020

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of scarlet fever in Minhang District， Shanghai from 2005 to 2020， and to provide scientific basis for the investigation and prevention of scarlet fever.

Methods We collected the scarlet fever incidence data through the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention； used SPSS 17.0 to conduct descriptive epidemiological analysis； and used EpiInfo to analyze and compare the differences in incidence rates between different regions.

Results A total of 12 012 scarlet fever cases were reported in Minhang District， Shanghai from 2005 to 2020. There were more cases in 2011， 2015 and 2017， and the difference in annual incidence was statistically significant （χ²=6 023.977， P<0.001）. Scarlet fever could occur throughout the year， but the peak incidence was from April to June and November to January of the following year. The gender ratio between men and women is 1.57：1， and the patients were concentrated in 4-6 years old. The incidence rate difference in 13 neighborhoods was statistically significant （χ²=2 455.516， P<0.001）. The four communities with the highest average annual incidence rate were Xinzhuang Town， Zhuanqiao Town， Maqiao Town， and Gumei Street.

Conclusion From 2005 to 2020， the incidence of scarlet fever in Minhang District， Shanghai presents a double peak， which matches well the student semesters， and scarlet fever patients are mainly students. Attention should be paid to infection source management and epidemic surveillance in schools and other collective units， implementation of morning inspections and daily disinfection， and other prevention and control measures.