MMWR

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Surveillance for Foodborne Disease Outbreaks – United States, 2006

Press Contact: Division of Media Relations
Phone: (404) 639-3286

• Press Release

Poultry, leafy vegetables, and fruits-nuts were important causes of illnesses in outbreaks in 2006. CDC collects data on foodborne disease outbreaks (FBDOs) investigated by all states and territories. During 2006, a total of 1,270 FBDOs were reported, resulting in 27,634 cases and 11 deaths. Among FBDOs with a confirmed etiology, norovirus was the most common agent, accounting for 54 percent of outbreaks and 11,879 cases, followed by Salmonella (18 percent of outbreaks and 3,252 cases). Among outbreaks caused by a single food commodity, the top commodities to which outbreak-related illnesses were attributed were poultry (21 percent of illnesses), leafy vegetables (17 percent), and fruits-nuts (16 percent). Of the 11 deaths linked to outbreaks, 10 were due to bacteria (6 Escherichia coli O157, 2 Listeria, 1 Salmonella, and 1 Clostridium botulinum), and 1 was due to a mushroom toxin. These findings can help to target control strategies for making food safer.

Outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis Associated with a Splash Park – Idaho, 2007

Press Contact: Division of Media Relations
Phone: (208) 334-0668

Splash parks are increasingly popular recreational water venues where waterborne illness outbreaks can occur. Accordingly, state and local governments should consider taking precautions to prevent waterborne illness associated with use of splash parks, including requiring preconstruction health department consultation, suitable disinfection technology, appropriate hygiene facilities, and education of splash park operators and the public.  Splash parks are designed to allow young children, often non-toilet trained, to play in the water with little risk for drowning. Splash parks are often easily accessible, unmonitored, free for visitors, and unregulated. This report describes an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis, a condition caused by Cryptosporidium, a parasite that causes watery diarrhea. The outbreak occurred at an unregulated splash park that lacked public health oversight, adequate hygiene facilities, and ultraviolet disinfection technology, an effective treatment against Cryptosporidium. State and local governments should consider splash park regulation requiring preconstruction health department consultation, supplemental disinfection technology (e.g., ultraviolet light), appropriate hygiene facilities, and education of splash park operators and the public.

Brucella suis Infection Associated with Feral Swine Hunting – Three States, 2008

Press Contact: Division of Media Relations
Phone: (404) 639-3286

Hunters should take precautions when field dressing feral swine (commonly called wild hogs, wild boar, wild pigs, or wild swine) to protect themselves against diseases that can be acquired from contact with a feral swine’s blood, fluids, or tissues.  Equally important is informing medical professionals treating feral swine hunters if symptoms such as fever, muscle aches or pains, or chills develop.  Feral swine are found in at least 33 states and hunting them is a popular sport. Feral swine can carry over 24 diseases that may affect people. Most of these diseases make people ill if the meat consumed is not cooked at the right temperature for a specified period of time. But with brucellosis, people may also become infected through contact with feral swine’s blood, fluids, or tissues (such as muscles or organs) that are contaminated. Hunters can protect themselves and their families from diseases commonly found in feral swine by using safe field dressing techniques and by following general food safety guidelines. It is important for those exposed to feral swine to seek professional medical attention if flu-like symptoms develop.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES