Characteristics of public health emergencies in Hubei province, 2008-2014

Objective To analyze the characteristics and change trend of public health emergencies in Hubei province during 2008 to 2014 and to provide evidences for improving emergency management and control.Methods Data on public health emergencies reported during 2008 to 2014 in Hubei province were extracted by using national information system for public health emergency report and analyzed with descriptive epidemiology methods.Results A total of 592 public health emergencies, involving 27670 sufferers, 102 deaths, and a case mortality of 0.37%, in Hubei province were reported during the period.The occurrence of public health emergency peaked between 2008 and 2009 and then declined distinctly from 2010 to 2014.The most of the public health emergencies reported were infectious disease epidemics, accounting for 87.50%of all emergencies and 94.48% of the total sufferers;whereas, 65.69%of total deaths attributed to the reported public health emergencies were caused by poisoning.The majority(81.76%) of the reported public health emergencies occurred in schools.The average cost for dealing with an emergency occurred was 47800 RMB yuan and the economic loss for an emergency reported was 181700 RMB yuan in average.Conclusion The management on public health emergency occurred in Hubei province has been effective.Still, prior prevention and capacity-building for public health institutions at grass roots level, and security system for public health emergency should be strengthened.