health
Salmonella infections on the rise
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 27, 2011
In 2010, there were 8,256 reported salmonella infections, which is up 10% from the period of 2006-08, according to a report in the June 10 issue of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (link).
The CDC estimates that as many as 1.2 million people a year could be infected with the pathogen, because many mild cases are not diagnosed or reported.
Salmonella infections led to 2,290 hospitalizations and 29 deaths in 2010. Children younger than 5 were most likely to contract salmonella.
People 60 and older have the greatest risk for hospitalization and death from many food-borne illnesses, according to the CDC. The organization said prompt diagnosis and treatment of the condition is particularly important for this age group.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/27/hlbf0627.htm.