2008 Georgia data summary: salmonellosis [2008]

2008 Georgia Data Summary
SALMONELLOSIS

Quick Fact: Salmonella is the most common bacterial cause of gastroenteritis in Georgia and is often foodborne.

OVERVIEW
Salmonellosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection that generally affects the intestinal tract and occasionally the bloodstream. It is one of the more common causes of gastroenteritis with approximately 2000 cases occurring in Georgia each year. Most cases occur in the summer and early fall months and are seen as single cases, clusters, or outbreaks.
Mode of Transmission: Ingestion of Salmonella spp. in food derived from infected animals or food contaminated by feces of an infected animal or person.
Common vehicles include undercooked eggs, raw milk, contaminated water, meat and poultry.
Pet turtles, iguanas and chicks are common sources for infants and children exposures.
Fecal-oral transmission from person to person may also occur, especially when diarrhea is present.
SURVEILLANCE
All Georgia physicians, laboratories and other health care providers are required by law to report both labconfirmed and clinical diagnoses of cases of Salmonellosis.
There are currently over 2,000 serotypes of Salmonella. Cultures may be sent to the Georgia Public Health Laboratory for DNA fingerprinting and serotype determination.

INCIDENCE
In 2008, 2,562 cases of Salmonella were reported, for a rate of 26.5 per 100,000 population (Figure 1). This was the highest rate among any FoodNet site. The incidence of Salmonella in Georgia has remained stable over time, with certain areas, especially in the southern parts of the state, having higher incidence (Figure 2).
Figure 1. Salmonella Cases and Rate

Cases Rate per 100,000 population

Salmonella , 1998-2008

3000

30

2500

25

2000

20

1500

15

1000

10

500

5

0

0

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Cases

Rate

Figure 2.

Table 1

TOP 5 SEROTYPES IN GEORGIA, 2008

Serotype
1 Newport 2 Javiana 3 Enteritidis 4 Typhimurium 5 Munchen
Unknown

# % 354 13.8 306 11.9 282 11.0 195 7.6 140 5.5 306 11.9

Active Surveillance for Salmonellosis is conducted
through FoodNet. For more information, please visit: http://health.state.ga.us/eip/ http://www.cdc.gov/foodnet

DEMOGRAPHICS

IMPACT OF SALMONELLA

In 2008, of the reported cases with known race and ethnicity variables, 68% of cases were White, 22% of cases were Black, 7% of cases were Hispanic, and 3% of cases were other race/ethnicities (Figure 3).
Consistent with the described epidemiology of Salmonella, in Georgia, higher rates of disease appear in infants and young children, followed by elderly individuals (Figure 4).

Figure 3.

All Reported Cases of Salmonella with Known Race/Ethnicity, 2008

HISPANIC 7%

OTHER 3%

BLACK 22%

WHITE 68%

Figure 4.

Cases

All Reported Cases of Salmonella with Known Gender/ Age Group, 2008

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

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

YR

<18 <30 <40 <50 <60

Age Group

FEMALE MALE

IMPACT OF SALMONELLA

Outbreaks
In 2008, we investigated 8 confirmed outbreaks of Salmonella. Reference the outbreak data summary for more information.
PREVENTION & RESEARCH
Food Preparation Tips 1. Always treat raw poultry, beef and pork as if they are contaminated and handle accordingly:
Wrap fresh meats in plastic bags at the market to prevent blood from dripping on other foods.
Refrigerate foods promptly; minimize holding time at room temperature.
Cutting boards and counters used for meat preparation should be washed immediately after use to prevent cross contamination with other foods.
Avoid eating raw or undercooked meats. Ensure that the correct internal cooking temperature is
reached, particularly when using a microwave. Make sure that the meat is no longer pink and that any juices run clear. 2. Avoid eating raw eggs or undercooking foods containing raw eggs. 3. Avoid using raw (unpasteurized) milk. For more information, visit: www.foodsafety.gov
Hand Washing 1. Encourage careful hand washing before and after food preparation. 2. Make sure children wash hands thoroughly, particularly if the children handle pets (especially reptiles and birds). 3. Do not allow pet reptiles or birds to come in contact with
infants, food, or food preparation surfaces.
FoodNet Projects Exploring additional sources of Salmonella through case-control studies Monitoring trends in Salmonella Epidemiology over time Monitoring the development of antibiotics resistance

Hospitalizations & Deaths

Of the total 2,562 cases of Salmonella in 2008, 698 (27%) individuals were hospitalized, while an additional 340 (13%) individuals were seen in the Emergency Room.

For more information:
http://health.state.ga.us/epi/foodborne

In 2008, there were 12 deaths reported among Salmonella cases in Georgia. Of those 12 deaths, 25% were individuals less than 1 year old, 16.7% were individuals 40 to 49 years, 16.7% were individuals 50-59 years, and 41.7% were individuals over 60 years.