Abstract：Objective To explore the epidemiological characteristics of school public health emergencies in Hunan Province from 2004 to 2022, and to provide a scientific basis for prevention, control and effective disposal of public health emergencies in schools. Methods We collected the data about school public health emergencies reported through the Public Health Emergency Management Information System from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2022. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used for the analysis. Results A total of 1,820 school public health emergencies were reported in Hunan Province from 2004 to 2022, with 83,838 reported cases. The average incidence rate was 2.79%. There were 13 deaths reported, with a case fatality rate of 0.02%. All the 14 cities and prefectures in the province had reported incidents. The number of incidents in 2019 was the highest (n=264, 14.51%), and the time distribution showed two peaks in March-June and September-December. The levels of theincidents were mainly general level (n=1,263, 69.40%) and unrated incidents (n=542, 29.78%). The main types of the incidents were infectious disease outbreaks (n=1,703, 93.57%), followed by sudden poisoning incidents (n=100, 5.49%). The main types of schools with the incidents were primary schools (n=1,057, 58.08%) and junior middle schools (n=221, 12.14%). The attack rate was significantly higher in schools of rural areas than in ones of counties, towns and cities. Conclusion School public health emergencies in Hunan Province during 2004-2022 were mainly outbreaks of infectious diseases. We should focus on prevention and control of infectious diseases outbreaks in rural primary schools and junior middle schools.
2023, Vol. 30 
