Reduce infections caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli — FS‑02 Data Methodology and Measurement

FoodNet conducts active population-based surveillance in 10 U.S. states for all laboratory-diagnosed infections with select enteric pathogens transmitted commonly through food. Campylobacter, Listeria, Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 and non-O157, Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia infections are diagnosed by laboratory testing of samples from patients. FoodNet personnel regularly contact clinical laboratories to ascertain laboratory-diagnosed cases of infection occurring within the surveillance sites. Hospitalizations occurring within 7 days of specimen collection date are recorded, as is the patient's status at hospital discharge or 7 days after the specimen collection date if not hospitalized. Deaths and hospitalizations are attributed to the pathogen if they occur within 7 days of the specimen collection date regardless of actual cause. International travel occurring within 7 days of illness onset is recorded. The pathogen is considered domestically-acquired if no travel occurred within 7 days of illness onset regardless of actual cause.