Key result
Strict COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions linked to ~69% fewer hand, foot and mouth disease cases.
Why the study?
Non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19 may have suppressed other infectious diseases, but the impact of different degrees of NPIs on hand, foot and mouth disease was not evaluated.
Do non-pharmaceutical interventions reduce the incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease in Guangzhou, China?
Observational (n=393,938)
Do non-pharmaceutical interventions reduce the incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease in Guangzhou, China?
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Strict non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease, though cases rebounded as restrictions eased.
BACKGROUND: Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may have suppressed the transmission of other infectious diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different degrees of NPIs during the COVID-19 pandemic on hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Guangzhou, China. METHODS: Weekly reported HFMD cases and pathogens information during 2015-2021 in Guangzhou were collected from the China National Notifiable Disease Reporting System. The observed number of HFMD cases in 2020 and 2021 was compared to the average level in the same period during 2015-2019. Then, an interrupted time-series segmented regression analysis was applied to estimate the impact of NPIs on HFMD, such as social distancing, suspension of schools, community management and mask wearing. The effects across different subgroups stratified by gender, children groups and enterovirus subtype of HFMD were also examined. RESULTS: A total of 13,224 and 36,353 HFMD cases were reported in 2020 and 2021, which decreased by 80.80% and 15.06% respectively compared with the average number of cases in the same period during 2015-2019. A significant drop in the number of HFMD cases during time when strict NPIs were applied (relative change: 69.07% [95% confidence interval (CI): 68.84%-69.30%]). The HFMD incidence rebounded to historical levels in 2021 as the lockdown eased. The slightest reduction of HFMD cases was found among children at kindergartens or childcare centres among the three children groups (children at kindergartens or childcare centres: 55.50% [95% CI: 54.96%-56.03%]; children living at home: 72.64% [95% CI: 72.38%-72.89%]; others: 74.06% [95% CI: 73.19%-74.91%]). CONCLUSIONS: The strong NPIs during the COVID-19 epidemic may have a significant beneficial effect on mitigating HFMD. However, the incidence of HFMD rebounded as the NPIs became less stringent. Authorities should consider applying these NPIs during HFMD outbreaks and strengthening personal hygiene in routine prevention.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Wu et al. (2022) conducted an observational in Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) (n=393,938). Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) vs. Pre-intervention period (counterfactual scenario) was evaluated on Relative change in HFMD cases during the overall NPIs period (Relative reduction 69.07%, 95% CI 68.84%-69.30%). Strict non-pharmaceutical interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced hand, foot and mouth disease cases by 69.07% compared to the expected counterfactual scenario in Guangzhou, China.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: