16.05.2015

Foodborne illnesses represent a substantial, yet largely preventable, health burden in the United States. The current report summarizes preliminary 2014 data and describes changes in incidence compared with 2006–2008 and 2011–2013. In 2014, FoodNet reported 19,542 infections, 4,445 hospitalizations, and 71 deaths. The incidence of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium infections declined in 2014 compared with 2006–2008, and the incidence of infection with Campylobacter and Salmonella serotypes Infantis and Javiana was higher. Compared with 2011–2013, the incidence of Salmonella Typhimurium infections was lower, and the incidence of Salmonella serotype Infantis infections was higher in 2014. Despite ongoing food safety efforts, the incidence of many infections remains high, indicating that further prevention measures are needed to make food safer and achieve national health objectives.
FoodNet conducts active, population-based surveillance for laboratory-confirmed infections caused by Campylobacter and Salmonella in 10 geographic areas covering approximately 15% of the U.S. population (an estimated 48 million persons in 2013).
In 2014, FoodNet identified 19,542 cases of infection, 4,445 hospitalizations, and 71 deaths. The number and incidence per 100,000 population were as follows: Salmonella (7,452 [15.45]), Campylobacter (6,486 [13.45]).
Among 6,565 (88%) serotyped Salmonella isolates in 2014, the number and incidence per 100,000 population of the top six serotypes were as follows: Enteritidis (1,401 [2.90]), Typhimurium (806 [1.67]), Newport (724 [1.50]), Javiana (639 [1.32]), I 4,[5],12:i:- (381 [0.79]), and Infantis (235 [0.49]).
Compared with 2006–2008, the 2014 incidence was significantly higher for Campylobacter (13% increase; CI = 5%–21%) infections. Among the six most commonly identified Salmonella serotypes, the incidence was significantly lower in 2014 for Typhimurium (27% decrease; CI = 18%–35%) compared with 2006–2008, but significantly higher for Infantis (162% increase; CI = 100%–244%) and Javiana (131% increase; CI = 83%–191%). Compared with 2011–2013, the 2014 incidence was significantly lower for Salmonella serotype Typhimurium infections and higher for Salmonella serotype Infantis infections.
Additional regulations and ongoing industry efforts are likely to improve food safety.