Epidemical characteristics and disposal situation of public health emergencies in schools in Chongqing from 2004 to 2012

Abstract:

Objective：To analyze the characteristics and the disposal situation of public health emergencies in schools in Chongqing municipality from 2004 to 2012 and to provide a scientific basis for preventing and controlling the occurrence and development of public health emergencies effectively. Methods：Descriptive epidemiology methods were used to analyze the data of the public health emergencies in schools in Chongqing from 2004 to 2012 collected from public health emergency reporting system. Results：A total of 1 973 events（accounting for 80.5% of the total events） of public health emergencies in schools were reported in Chongqing during 2004-2012，which caused 53 290 cases of illness and 9 cases of deaths. Public health emergencies in schools in Chongqing during 2004-2012 were first increased and then descended yearly. Types of events fell mainly on infectious diseases（98.5%），among which respiratory infectious diseases such as mumps as well as hand-foot-and-mouth disease took the lead. Different infectious diseases had different variation trends yearly and mainly occurred from March to June and September to December. Emergencies mainly occurred in primary and middle schools in rural areas. Rate of the direct network report was low（only 22.6%）. Infectious disease events experi－enced a long time. Conclusions：Public health emergencies are key points of school health work，especially in rural schools. Preven－tion，monitor，timely report and efficient handling of infectious diseases are keys to prevent public health emergencies.