Occupational Distribution of Campylobacteriosis and Salmonellosis Cases — Maryland, Ohio, and Virginia, 2014

Abstract

© 2017 Department of Health and Human Services, All rights reserved. What is already known about this topic? Campylobacter and Salmonella are leading causes of bacterial gastroenteritis in the United States with >1 million cases reported annually. These pathogens are primarily transmitted through consumption of contaminated food, but animal-to-human and human-to-human transmission also occur. Occupational transmission has been reported, but there is limited information regarding patterns of disease by occupation. What is added by this report? In 2014, 2,977 campylobacteriosis and 2,259 salmonellosis cases were reported in Maryland, Ohio, and Virginia; 1,064 (60%) and 847 (56%) patients, respectively, were employed. Persons in farming, fishing, and forestry occupations and health care and technical occupations were at increased risk for both campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis. Persons in food preparation and serving–related occupations and personal care and service occupations were also at higher risk for salmonellosis. What are the implications for public health practice? Increased risk for enteric infection among workers in agriculture, health care, food, and personal care occupations might be related to workplace exposures to pathogens. Campylobacteriosis or salmonellosis should be considered when workers have symptoms compatible with these diseases. Targeting education and prevention strategies, including disease awareness and proper hygiene techniques at work, to groups at higher risk and their employers could help reduce disease.