Synopsis for March 17, 2000

MMWR articles are embargoed until 4 p.m. E.S.T. Thursdays.

1. Preliminary FoodNet Data on the Incidence of Foodborne Illnesses — Selected Sites, United States, 1999
2. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome — Panama, 1999–2000
3. Outbreaks of Norwalk-like Viral Gastroenteritis — Alaska and Wisconsin, 1999

Synopsis for March 17, 2000

Preliminary FoodNet Data on the Incidence of Foodborne Illnesses — Selected Sites, United States, 1999

Preliminary 1999 FoodNet data shows declines for several foodborne diseases under surveillance.

 

PRESS CONTACT: Division of Media Relations CDC, Office of Communication (404) 639–3286

The 19% decline in bacterial foodborne infections from 1997 to 1999 suggests nearly a million bacterial illnesses were prevented in 1999. This indicates that progress is being made towards reducing the marked burden of foodborne illness. Nonetheless, more work needs to be done. Campylobacter continued its decline, decreasing 19% from 1998 to 1999. Poultry is the most common source of Campylobacter infections. Shigella demonstrated a 44% decline from 1998 to 1999. Following decreasing rates in previous years, Salmonella increased from 1998 to 1999; this varied by region and serotype. Rates for the most common serotype, Salmonella Typhimurium, remained constant. Rates for Salmonella Enteritidis, the second most common serotype, frequently associated with eggs, continued a several year decline.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome — Panama, 1999–2000

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe but rare disease, is characterized by rapid onset of difficulty breathing or sudden death.

 

PRESS CONTACT: Paul Kitsutani, M.D. CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases (404) 639–1511

In mid-January, CDC received reports of unexplained deaths in Los Santos Province, Panama. The subsequent investigation identified 12 adult cases; 3 deaths. CDC has confirmed six of the cases by laboratory testing for HPS. There was an increase in rainfall during Fall/Winter 1999 that may have led to increased numbers of rodents. Flooding, following these rains, may have increased the rodent population around homes. A team of researchers from CDC, the Panamanian Ministry of Health, the Gorgas Commemorative Institute for Health Studies, and the Pan-American Health Organization are currently in Panama conducting the outbreak investigation. This is the first outbreak of HPS in Central America. HPS, a rodent-borne disease, will continue to cause outbreaks throughout the Americas. To prevent this disease, people should avoid contact with rodents and rodent excrement.

Outbreaks of Norwalk-like Viral Gastroenteritis — Alaska and Wisconsin, 1999

Norwalk-like viruses" (NLVs) are the most common cause of epidemic gastroenteritis in the United States.

 

PRESS CONTACT: Alan Ramsey, M.D., M.P.H. & T.M. CDC, Epidemic Intelligence Service (608) 267–9004

NLVs cause as many as 96% of all nonbacterial outbreaks. Illnesses due to NLVs affect approximately 23 million persons per year in the United States and most are caused by foodborne or person-to-person transmission. In the Alaska outbreak, at least 191 persons developed acute gastroenteritis at a company luncheon after eating potato salad contaminated by a single ill food handler. In Wisconsin, 19 of 36 dorm residents fell ill after returning from Thanksgiving break as NLV was transmitted from person to person. Basic sanitary measures, such as diligent handwashing, can prevent both foodborne and person-to-person transmission. In addition, ill workers should be excluded from food handling, and food preparers should minimize direct contact with ready-to-eat foods. Persons who live in shared quarters and use communal bathroom facilities should pay particular attention to good hygienic practices.

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