- During 2022, FoodNet identified 25,479 cases of infection, 5,981 hospitalizations, and 170 deaths
- Campylobacter and Salmonella are the leading causes of bacterial enteric infections transmitted commonly by food.
- During 2022, FoodNet identified higher incidences of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Yersinia, Vibrio, and Cyclospora infections compared with 2016–2018. Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, and Listeria incidences did not change [from 2016–2018].
- Many COVID-19 pandemic-related factors influencing enteric disease transmission, detection, and reporting (3,4) ended by 2022. The incidence of infections caused by pathogens transmitted commonly through food during 2022 generally returned to levels observed during the pre-pandemic period, 2016–2018.
Weekly / June 30, 2023 / 72(26);701–706
Summary
What is already known about this topic?
Campylobacter and Salmonella are the leading causes of bacterial enteric infections transmitted commonly by food. Reported incidence of enteric infections was lower during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021) compared with previous years.
What is added by this report?
During 2022, FoodNet identified higher incidences of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Yersinia, Vibrio, and Cyclospora infections compared with 2016–2018. Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, and Listeria incidences did not change.
What are the implications for public health practice?
Progress in reducing enteric infection incidence was not observed during 2022, as influences of the COVID-19 pandemic subsided. Collaboration among food growers, processors, retail stores, restaurants, and regulators is needed to reduce pathogen contamination during poultry slaughter and to prevent contamination of leafy greens.