FoodNet consists of an active surveillance program along with
epidemiologic studies designed to enhance our understanding
of foodborne diseases. FoodNet was established with the following
goals:
- Determine more precisely the burden of foodborne diseases
in the United States.
- Monitor foodborne diseases trends in the United States.
- Determine the proportion of foodborne diseases attributable
to specific foods and settings in the United States.
FoodNet provides active surveillance for seven bacterial
pathogens (Campylobacter, E.coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes,
Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia enterocolitica)
and two parasitic organisms (Crytosporidia, and Cyclospora).
When Maryland began performing FoodNet surveillance for these
pathogens in 1998, the catchment area was limited to the Baltimore
Metropolitan Area. BAM consists of Baltimore City, Baltimore
County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County,
and Howard County. In 2000, Montgomery County and Prince George’s
County were added to the catchment area. And finally in 2002,
FoodNet surveillance went statewide. Currently, Maryland represents
approximately 12.5% of the total FoodNet catchment area (roughly
41.5 million US residents).
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Epidemiology and Disease Control Program
Emerging Infections Program
201 W. Preston St., 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-6234
Fax: 410-725-4825
Email: MDEIP@dhmh.state.md.us
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