Objective  To analyze prevalence characteristics of public health emergencies caused by tetramine poisoning in China from 2004 through 2014, and to provide evidences for prevention and control of public health emergencies.

  Methods  We analyzed the data extracted from China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention using descriptive epidemiology methods.

  Results  A total of 57 tetramine poisoning induced public health emergencies were reported in China during the 11-year period; for these emergencies, the number of sufferers was 366 and that of the deaths was 71, with a mortality rate of 19.40 %. Of all the emergencies, 8 (14.04 %) were categorized as common events; 39 (68.42 %) were major events; 10 (17.54 %) were not classified. The tetramine poisoning induced public health emergencies occurred every year during the period and the maximum number (10) of emergencies were reported in 2006. The reported emergencies occurred in a total of 16 provinces and the top three provinces with more reported emergencies were Yunnan (20, 35.09% of all emergencies), Guangxi (8, 14.04 %), and Hunan province (4, 7.02 %).

  Conclusion  The reported public health emergencies caused by tetramine poisoning in China decreased generally from 2004 through 2014 but comprehensive intervention measures still need to be strengthened to prevent tetramine poisoning which could result in serious consequence.