18.04.2013
MMWR April 19, 2013 / 62(15);283-287
Foodborne diseases are an important public health problem in the United States. The Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) conducts surveillance in 10 U.S. sites for all laboratory-confirmed infections caused by selected pathogens transmitted commonly through food to quantify them and monitor their incidence. This report summarizes 2012 preliminary surveillance data and describes trends since 1996. A total of 19,531 infections, 4,563 hospitalizations, and 68 deaths associated with foodborne diseases were reported in 2012. For most infections, incidence was highest among children aged
Incidence and Trends
In 2012, FoodNet identified 19,531 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection. The number of infections and incidence per 100,000 population, by pathogen, were as follows: Salmonella (7,800; 16.42), Campylobacter (6,793; 14.30). Among 6,984 (90%) serotyped Salmonella isolates, the top three serotypes were Enteritidis, 1,238 (18%); Typhimurium, 914 (13%); and Newport, 901 (13%). Among 2,318 (34%) Campylobacter isolates with species information, 2,082 (90%) were C. jejuni, and 180 (8%) were C. coli.
The estimated incidence of infection was higher in 2012 compared with 2006–2008 for Campylobacter (14% increase).
The incidence of infections with specific Salmonella serotypes in 2012, compared with 2006–2008, was lower for Typhimurium (19% decrease), higher for Newport (23% increase), and unchanged for Enteritidis. Compared with 1996–1998, the incidence of infection was significantly higher for Enteritidis and Newport, and lower for Typhimurium.
Hospitalizations and Deaths
In 2012, FoodNet identified 4,563 hospitalizations and 68 deaths among cases of infection with pathogens transmitted commonly through food. The percentage of patients hospitalized ranged from 15% for Campylobacter to 96% for Listeria infections. The percentage hospitalized was greatest among those aged ≥65 years for Salmonella (55%) and Campylobacter (31%). The percentage that died was highest among persons aged ≥65 years for Salmonella (2%) and Campylobacter (0.2%).
Number of cases of Salmonella and Campylobacter infection, hospitalizations, and deaths - 2012