2008 Georgia data summary: Campylobacteriosis [Feb. 2009]

2008 Georgia Data Summary:
Campylobacteriosis

Campylobacter Quick Fact: Campylobacter cases are mostly seen in the summer months and occur as single cases or as part of recognized outbreaks.

Cases Rate per 100,000

OVERVIEW
Campylobacteriosis is an enteric disease caused by bacteria of the genus Campylobacter. The most common species is jejuni, followed by coli. Typical symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, malaise, fever, nausea, and vomiting, but asymptomatic infections occur. Stool may contain blood and white cells. The illness generally lasts 2-5 days. Prolonged illness may occur in adults, and relapse is possible. In immunocompromised persons, Campylobacter may spread to the bloodstream and cause a serious life-threatening infection. Reactive arthritis, febrile seizures, and Guillain-Barr Syndrome are uncommon complications of Campylobacter infections. The mode of transmission of Campylobacter is normally by ingestion of the organism in under-cooked chicken or other contaminated food and water, or raw milk. Contact with infected pets (especially puppies and kittens), farm animals or infected infants may also be a source of transmission.

Figure 1. Campylobacter Cases and Rate

Campylobacteriosis, 1998-2008

900

12.00

800 10.00
700

600

8.00

500 6.00
400

300

4.00

200 2.00
100

0

0.00

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Cases

Rate

SURVEILLANCE
All Georgia physicians, laboratories and other health care providers are required by law to report both labconfirmed and clinical diagnoses of cases of Campylobacter.
Cultures may be sent to the Georgia Public Health Laboratory for case confirmation.
Reporting of all cases are required within seven days to the State.
Outbreaks are investigated to determine the possible source of infection and prevent additional illness.
Active Surveillance for Campylobacter is conducted through FoodNet. For more information, please visit: http://health.state.ga.us/eip/ http://www.cdc.gov/foodnet/
INCIDENCE
In 2008, 688 cases of Campylobacter were reported to the Georgia Acute Epidemiology Section, for a rate of 7.10/100,000 (Figure 1). Overall, rates of Campylobacter are consistent across the state, with counties in the northern and southern parts of the state reporting higher rates Campylobacter than central counties (Figure 2).

Figure 2.

DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2008, of the reported cases with known race and ethnicity, 71% of cases were White, 14% of cases were Black, 11% of cases were Hispanic, and 4% of cases were other race/ethnicities (Figure 3).
The highest number of reported cases is in the 18<30 age group and cases were more frequently male.

Figure 3.
All Reported Cases of Campylobacter with Known Race/Ethnicity, 2008
BLACK 14%

WHITE 71%

HISPANIC 11%
OTHER 4%

BLACK HISPANIC OTHER WHITE

PREVENTION & RESEARCH
Some simple food handling practices can help prevent Campylobacter infections.
Cook all poultry products thoroughly. Make sure that the meat is cooked throughout (no longer pink) and any juices run clear. All poultry should be cooked to reach a minimum internal temperature of 165 F.
Wash hands with soap before preparing food Wash hands with soap after handling raw foods of animal
origin and before touching anything else. Prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen by using
separate cutting boards for foods of animal origin and other foods and by carefully cleaning all cutting boards, countertops, and utensils with soap and hot water after preparing raw food of animal origin. Avoid consuming unpasteurized milk and untreated surface water. Make sure that persons with diarrhea, especially children, wash their hands carefully and frequently with soap to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. Wash hands with soap after contact with pet feces

Figure 4.

All Reported Cases of Campylobacter with Known
Gender/Age, 2008 80

70

60

50

FEM A LE

40

M ALE

30

20

10

0
<1 1-<5 5-<10 10-<18 18-<30 30-<40 40-<50 50-<60 60+

AGE RANGE

Data Sources and more information:
http://health.state.ga.us/epi/foodborne http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/campy
lobacter_gi.html
Date Updated: February 2009

IMPACT OF CAMPYLOBACTER
Hospitalizations & Deaths
Of the total 688 cases of Campylobacter in 2008, 131 (19%) individuals were hospitalized, while an additional 117 (17%) individuals were seen in the Emergency Room.
Although, Campylobacter deaths are rare, there were 3 reported deaths in 2008.