Objective  To analyze prevalence characteristics and spatial-temporal aggregation of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Yunnan province from 2009 to 2019.

  Methods  The data on HFMD incidents in 129 counties/districts of Yunnan province during 2009 – 2019 were extracted from National Disease Prevention and Control Information System and relevant population data were collected from statistics yearbooks issued by provincial statistical bureau. The prevalence characteristics of HFMD was analyzed with descriptive statistics and spatial-temporal clustering of HFMD was assessed using SaTScan 9.5 software.

  Results  A total of 752 209 HFMD cases were reported in Yunnan province during the period, with an average annual incidence of 145.93/100 000. More HFMD incidents were reported among scattered living children aged < 5 years and more incidents occurred during April – July in a year. In 2009, the counties/districts with higher HMFD incidence were mainly located in the central region of Yunnan province; but from 2010, more counties/districts with higher HFMD incidence were gradually identified around the central region along with the increase in annual HFMD incidence in the province. SaTScan spatial-temporal scanning analysis demonstrated an obvious temporal clustering of HFMD mainly during April – July in a year; the scanning analysis also revealed spatial clustering of HFMD incidence in three prefecture regions (Kunming, Yuxi and Honghe) in 2009 and 2010, while, another three prefecture regions (Qujing, Wenshan and Chuxiong) with spatial clustering of the incidence were identified during 2011 – 2018 and totally eight prefecture regions with spatial clustering of the incidence were found in 2019.

  Conclusion  There were obvious spatial-temporal clustering of HFMD incidence in Yunnan province from 2009 to 2019 and the regions with spatial clustering of HFMD incidence enlarged from the central to southeastern Yunnan gradually; the situation should be concerned for effective control of HFMD epidemic in the province.