ABSTRACT
@#Abstract: Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of outbreaks of infectious diseases in schools in Yunnan Province from 2004 to 2021, to provide a scientific basis for prevention and control strategies. Methods The data on outbreaks of infectious diseases in schools in Yunnan Province from 2004 to 2021 from the National Emergency Public Health Events Information Management System and on-site epidemiological surveys were collected and analyzed using descriptive epidemiology method. Results From 2004 to 2021, a total of 1 806 outbreaks of infectious diseases in schools in Yunnan Province was reported. The majority of the reports were of general events (90.25%), affecting 2 183 493 people with reported cases numbering 94 643 and 13 deaths. The main modes of transmission were respiratory infectious diseases. The top three reported diseases were chickenpox (588), influenza (300) and hand-foot-and-mouth disease (267), accounting for 64.0% of the total reported events. The events were distributed in 121 counties and districts throughout the province, concentrated in March–June and September–January of the following year. The main outbreaks were of chickenpox, with an average duration of 19 days. Most public health emergencies (1 386) occurred in kindergartens and primary schools, and the median time to discover the outbreak was 7 days (ranging from 4 to 13 days). Conclusions Respiratory infectious diseases are the main type of outbreak of infectious diseases in schools in Yunnan Province. Kindergartens and primary schools are the focus of prevention and control. Early reporting and effective handling will help control the spread of events and reduce hazards. At the same time, the prevention and control of school infectious diseases and the emergency drill of the plan during peak periods need to be particularly strengthened.