ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical characteristics of  handfootmouth disease caused by enterovirus 71(EV71). MethodsClinical data of 70 cases of handfootmouth disease admitted in a hospital from May, 2008 to August, 2008 were analysed. ResultsAmong 70 cases, 48(68.57%) were simple handfootmouth 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 followup showed that no patient had discomfort and sequelae. ConclusionClinical manifestations of handfootmouth disease caused by EV71 are serious, and can cause multiorgan impairment.The main patients were preschool children,especially children≤3 years old.