Objective To analyze the epidemic situation and pathogen change trend of hand foot mouth disease (HFMD) in Chaohu City from 2012 to 2021,and to provide reference for formulating prevention and control measures. Methods Descriptive epidemiology was used to analyze the incidence and pathogen composition of HFMD in Chaohu City from 2012 to 2021. Results From 2012 to 2021,a total of 12 109 cases of HFMD were reported in Chaohu City,with an average annual incidence rate of 151.05/100 000.The annual incidence rate of HFMD showed a downward trend line (χ²=577.199,P＜0.001).Seasonal onset showed a double peak,with the main peak from April to July,accounting for 47.58%,and the secondary peak from September to November,accounting for 30.05%.Cases were concentrated in children≤5 years old,accounting for 94.35%.The occupation was mainly scattered children,accounting for 64.93%.The ratio of male to female was 1.51:1.The annual average incidence rate of men (90.83/100 000) was higher than that of women (60.23/100 000) ((χ²=579.034,P＜0.001),and the incidence rate of urban areas (223.85/100 000) was higher than that of towns (101.73/100 000) (χ²=1908.546,P<0.001).From 2012 to 2021,the order of pathogen composition was that other enteroviruses accounted for 45.59%,Cox a16 accounted for 29.50%,EV71 accounted for 24.90%,and the difference of pathogen type composition was statistically significant (Fisher exact probability method,P<0.001). Conclusion The incidence rate of HFMD in Chaohu City shows a downward trend,but the epidemic characteristics of HFMD have not changed significantly.The prevention and control of hand,foot and mouth disease in children under 5 years old and in urban areas should be focused on before the peak of the incidence each year,and attention should be paid to the pathogenic spectrum and pathogenic changes of HFMD.