Abstract：Objective To analyze the influence of meteorological factors on the incidence of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Zhuzhou City so as to provide a scientific basis for HFMD prevention and control. Methods The data regarding daily incidence of HFMD and daily meteorological information in Zhuzhou City during 2010-2016 were collected to describe their characteristics. The distributed lag non-linear model was employed to analyze the relationship between meteorological factors and HFMD incidence. Results A total of 53,877 HFMD cases were reported in Zhuzhou City from 2010 to 2016, with the most cases in 2016 (n=12,355). The incidence of HFMD showed a double-peak characteristic. HFMD incidence was positively associated with temperature, wind speed and sunshine hours (P<0.05), but negatively correlated with air pressure and relative humidity (P<0.05). Having the temperature of 18.18℃as reference, the daily mean temperature of 30.6℃ and lag of 0 day had the highest relative risk (RR) (1.28, 95%CI:1.12-1.46), with statistical significance (P<0.05). Having the lowest air pressure of 1 003.58hpa as reference, the daily lowest air pressure being 1,032.2 hpa and lag of 25 days had the highest RR (1.68, 95%CI: 0.97-2.93). Having the wind speed of 3.8m/s as reference, the daily maximum wind speed being 0 m/s and lag of 0 day had the highest RR (1.17, 95%CI: 0.92-1.49). Having the relative humidity of 74.8% as reference, the daily mean relative humidity being 28% and lag of 2 days had the highest RR (1.61, 95%CI: 0.81-3.17). Having the daily mean sunshine time of 4.18h as reference, the daily mean sunshine time being 13 hours and lag of 0 day had the highest RR (1.06, 95%CI: 0.97-1.17). No statistically significant difference was found in the above-mentioned four indexes (P>0.05). Conclusions Meteorological factors are important factors affecting HFMD incidence in Zhuzhou City, showing non-linear and lagged effects.
2018, Vol. 25 
