Preliminary Incidence and Trends Report of Infections with Pathogens 2015–2018

The CDC report (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6816a2.htm?s_cid=mm6816a2_w) shows that during 2018, FoodNet identified 25,606 infections, 5,893 hospitalizations, and 120 deaths. The incidence of most infections is increasing, including those caused by Campylobacter and Salmonella, which might be partially attributable to the increased use of culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs). The incidence of infections with Salmonella Enteritidis, the most common Salmonella serotype, has not declined in over ten years. The incidence of Cyclospora infections increased markedly compared with 2015–2017, in part related to large outbreaks associated with produce. During 2018, romaine lettuce was linked to two multistate outbreaks of STEC O157 infections. According to the report, Campylobacter has been the most commonly identified infection in FoodNet sites since 2013, and the incidence appears to be increasing. Poultry is a major source of Campylobacter bacteria, the agency noted. More targeted prevention measures are needed on produce farms, food animal farms, and in meat and poultry processing establishments to make food safer and decrease human illness.