Monitoring the incidence and causes of diseases potentially transmitted by food in Australia: annual report of the Ozfoodnet Network, 2006.

Abstract

In 2006, OzFoodNet sites reported 24,598 notifications of seven diseases or conditions that are commonly transmitted by food, representing an increase of 2.5% over the mean of the previous 5 years. The most frequently notified aetiological agents were Campylobacter (15,492 notifications) and Salmonella (8,331 notifications). Salmonella notifications increased in 2006 by 5.2% when compared to historical reports. The most common Salmonella serotype notified in Australia during 2006 was Salmonella Typhimurium, as in previous years. S. Saintpaul was the second most common serotype notified during 2006 as a result of a large multistate outbreak associated with rockmelons. During 2006, OzFoodNet sites reported 1,544 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness including those transmitted by contaminated food. In total, these outbreaks affected 34,916 people and resulted in 769 people being admitted to hospital and 27 deaths. Food was suspected or confirmed as the primary cause for 115 of these outbreaks and affected 1,522 persons, hospitalised 146 persons but did not result in any deaths. S. Typhimurium was the most common aetiological agent in foodborne outbreaks and restaurants were the most common setting for foods implicated in foodborne outbreaks. Sixteen outbreaks were related to eggs during 2006 compared to five outbreaks in 2005. Eighty-one per cent (13/16) of these egg-associated outbreaks were due to various phage types of S. Typhimurium. Fresh fruits and vegetables, categorised as fresh produce were responsible for four outbreaks, all due to salmonellosis. Public health laboratories provided complete serotype and phage type information on more than 97% of all Salmonella notifications during 2006. Completeness of reporting for Salmonella was equivalent to 2005 and was essential to identifying and investigating outbreaks. This report demonstrates OzFoodNet's ability to detect and investigate the burden and causes of foodborne disease in Australia. OzFoodNet efforts assist agencies to develop food safety policy and prevent foodborne illness.