Epidemiological analysis of emergent public health events in schools in Henan Province during 2009-2013

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of public health emergencies in schools from 2009 to 2013 so as to provide a scientific basis for preventing and controlling the occurrence and development of public healthemergencies effectively. Methods The data of the public health emergencies in schools in Henan province from 2009 to 2013 were collected from public health emergency reporting system and analyzed by descriptive epidemiology methods. Results Atotal of 229 events of public health emergencies in schools(70.46%)in Henan province during 2009- 2013 were reportedincluding 5 212 cases and 1 death. Most of events were infectious diseases(93.39%),among which respiratory infectiousdiseases such as H1N1 influenza, mumps and chickenpox took the lead. Public health emergencies mainly occurred duringMarch to June and September to December. Emergencies mainly occurred in primary schools in rural areas. Conclusion The incidence of public health emergencies in school showed decreasing trends in Henan province. Respiratory diseases werethe leading cause. Outbreaks of infectious diseases are key points of school health work,especially in rural schools.