[Spatial clustering of hand-foot-mouth disease in Gansu, 2012].

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to explore the spatial distribution and spatial clustering of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in Gansu, 2012.

METHODS

Spatial autocorrelation and Spatial scanning analysis were used to conduct spatial statistical analyses for the HFMD at the county/district level.

RESULTS

HFMD cases did not show a random distribution but with significant spatial aggregation. When Local Autocorrelation analysis was applied at the county/district level, with nine hot spot areas as Jiayuguan, Yumen, Dunhuang, Jinta, Suzhou, Chengguan, Anning, Xigu and Gaolan, were discovered. Four statistically significant HFMD clusters were identified by spatial scan statistics.

CONCLUSION

HFMD was noticed geographically clustered in Gansu in 2012. Results from this study indicated that the spatial autocorrelation and spatial scanning analysis could effectively detect the areas which presenting significant clusters. Cluster Detection System (CDS) could provide evidence for the development of an effective measure concerning the prevention and control of HFMD.