Analysis of foodborne disease outbreak surveillance in the China Mainland 2014-2023.

Source: PubMed, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

Foodborne diseases pose a significant public health and economic burden worldwide. This study systematically analyzed a decade (2014-2023) of national surveillance data from mainland China, encompassing 50,434 outbreaks, 311,672 illnesses, and 1330 fatalities. The results revealed pronounced geographical disparities, with five provinces (Shandong, Yunnan, Hunan, Guizhou, and Sichuan) collectively accounting for 59.27% of outbreaks. A distinct seasonal peak was observed from June to August, correlated with high temperature and humidity. Poisonous mushrooms were the predominant causative agent, responsible for 50.65% of outbreaks with identified etiology and the highest case fatality. Microbial pathogens, notably Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Salmonella spp., were also major contributors. Most outbreaks and fatalities occurred in household settings, with a notable surge during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings underscore the critical need for targeted interventions, enhanced public education on toxic mushrooms, and strengthened surveillance systems to reduce the burden of foodborne diseases in China.