Abstract:ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical characteristics of handfootmouth disease caused by enterovirus 71(EV71). MethodsClinical data of 70 cases of handfootmouth disease admitted in a hospital from May, 2008 to August, 2008 were analysed. ResultsAmong 70 cases, 48(68.57%) were simple handfootmouth disease,18 cases(25.71%) had central nervous system symptoms, 3 (4.29%)had respiratory system symptoms,1 (1.43%) had circulatory system symptoms; 64 cases(91.43%) were ≤3 years old; 63 cases (90.00%) were positive in specific nucleic acid detection of EV71, 70 cases were all positive in specific antibody detection of EV71. All patients were improved and discharged after treatment. One month followup showed that no patient had discomfort and sequelae. ConclusionClinical manifestations of handfootmouth disease caused by EV71 are serious, and can cause multiorgan impairment.The main patients were preschool children,especially children≤3 years old.