Objective  To understand the epidemiological characteristics of hand-foot-mouth disease from 2015 through 2018 in a general hospital in Shanghai, so as to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of hand-foot-mouth disease.

  Methods  Descriptive epidemiological method was performed to analyze the hand-foot-mouth disease reported directly online in a general hospital in Shanghai from 2015 through 2018.

  Results  The occurrence of hand-foot-mouth disease occurred every month from 2015 through 2018, with the peak of the disease concentrating in April to July. The pathogenic features showed a trend of higher incidence in late spring and early summer, in men than women, with a sex ratio of 1 to 0.72 (2 238 to 1 611), larger population of non-Shanghai household registration than Shanghai household registration, the statistically analysis showed significant differences (P < 0.01). The age groups of onset were mainly infants and young children under 6 years old, mounting by residence-scattered (61.42%) and nursery care children(33.67%). The occupational distribution showed a statistically significant difference(P < 0.01).

  Conclusion  Hand-foot-mouth disease has obvious gender differences and seasonal characteristics, showing a higher incidence in men than women, and a peak onset in summer. Residence-scattered and nursery children are the population that should be the focus for prevention and control, and medical and health departments should make emergency preparations to prevent and control the high incidence of hand-foot-mouth disease.