A population-based estimate of the substantial burden of diarrhoeal disease in the United States; FoodNet, 1996-2003.
From 1996 to 2003, four 12-month population-based surveys were performed in FoodNet sites to determine the burden of diarrhoeal disease in the population. Acute diarrhoeal illness (ADI) was defined as > or =3 loose stools in 24 hours with impairment of daily activities or duration of diarrhoea >1 day. A total of 52840 interviews were completed. The overall weighted prevalence of ADI in the previous month was 5.1% (95% CI+/-0.3%), corresponding to 0.6 episodes of ADI per person per year. The average monthly prevalence of ADI was similar in each of the four survey cycles (range 4.5-5.2%). Rates of ADI were highest in those age <5 years. Of those with ADI, 33.8% (95% CI+/-2.7%) reported vomiting, 19.5% (95% CI+/-2.1%) visited a medical provider, and 7.8% (95% CI+/-1.4%) took antibiotics. Rates of ADI were remarkably consistent over time, and demonstrate the substantial burden placed on the health-care system.
Jones
T F
TF
Communicable and Environmental Disease Services, Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, TN 37247, USA. tim.f.jones@state.tn.us
McMillian
M B
MB
Scallan
E
E
Frenzen
P D
PD
Cronquist
A B
AB
Thomas
S
S
Angulo
F J
FJ
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014839:Vomiting / Q000453:epidemiology