Factors affecting surveillance data on Escherichia coli O157 infections collected from FoodNet sites, 1996-1999.
To determine the burden of illness caused by Escherichia coli O157 infections in populations in Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) surveillance areas, we initiated active, laboratory-based surveillance and surveyed laboratories, physicians, and the general public regarding the factors associated with the diagnosis and surveillance of infection with E. coli O157. We evaluated survey responses and site-specific incidence, outbreak, and demographic data during 1996-1999. A total of 1425 laboratory-confirmed cases of E. coli O157 infection and 32 outbreaks were reported from the 5 original FoodNet sites. The average annual incidence ranged from 0.5 cases/100,000 population in Georgia to 4.4 cases/100,000 population in Minnesota. After excluding outbreak-associated cases, the annual incidence of sporadic, laboratory-confirmed E. coli O157 infections remained relatively stable during 1996-1999, with a range of 1.9-2.3 cases/100,000 population. Regional differences in incidence partly resulted from differing physician and laboratory practices and from site-specific exposure factors (e.g., living on or visiting farms).
Bender
Jeffrey B
JB
Veterinary Public Health, University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA. bende002@umn.edu
Smith
Kirk E
KE
McNees
Alex A
AA
Rabatsky-Ehr
Therese R
TR
Segler
Suzanne D
SD
Hawkins
Marguerite A
MA
Spina
Nancy L
NL
Keene
William E
WE
Kennedy
Malinda H
MH
Van Gilder
Thomas J
TJ
Hedberg
Craig W
CW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D019453:Escherichia coli O157 / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D005516:Food Microbiology; D005517:Foodborne Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D005845:Georgia / Q000453:epidemiology; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007255:Information Services; D008297:Male; D008910:Minnesota / Q000453:epidemiology; D011159:Population Surveillance