Dramatic decrease in the incidence of Salmonella serotype Enteritidis infections in 5 FoodNet sites: 1996-1999.
Salmonella serotype Enteritidis (SE) emerged as the most common Salmonella serotype among infected persons in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, with infections reaching a peak in 1995. During the past decade, farm-to-table control measures have been instituted in the United States, particularly in regions with the highest incidence of SE infection. We report trends in the incidence of SE in the 5 original surveillance areas of the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network during 1996-1999: Minnesota, Oregon, and selected counties in California, Connecticut, and Georgia. Overall, the incidence of SE decreased 46% from 1996 to 1999. The greatest decrease was in Connecticut (71%), followed by northern California (50%), Minnesota (46%), and Oregon (13%). Although SE infection remains an important public health concern, there has been a remarkable decrease in its incidence. This decrease may be a result of targeted interventions, including on-farm control measures, refrigeration, and education efforts.
Marcus
Ruthanne
R
Connecticut FoodNet Emerging Infections Program, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. ruthanne.marcus@yale.edu
Rabatsky-Ehr
Terry
T
Mohle-Boetani
Janet C
JC
Farley
Monica
M
Medus
Carlota
C
Shiferaw
Beletshachew
B
Carter
Michael
M
Zansky
Shelley
S
Kennedy
Malinda
M
Van Gilder
Thomas
T
Hadler
James L
JL
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007255:Information Services; D008297:Male; D012478:Salmonella Food Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology; D012480:Salmonella Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012477:Salmonella enteritidis / Q000145:classification*; D012703:Serotyping; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology