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. 2007 Feb;135(2):293-301.
doi: 10.1017/S0950268806006765.

A population-based estimate of the substantial burden of diarrhoeal disease in the United States; FoodNet, 1996-2003

T F Jones  1 , M B McMillian, E Scallan, P D Frenzen, A B Cronquist, S Thomas, F J Angulo
Affiliations

A population-based estimate of the substantial burden of diarrhoeal disease in the United States; FoodNet, 1996-2003

T F Jones et al. Epidemiol Infect. 2007 Feb.

Abstract

From 1996 to 2003, four 12-month population-based surveys were performed in FoodNet sites to determine the burden of diarrhoeal disease in the population. Acute diarrhoeal illness (ADI) was defined as > or =3 loose stools in 24 hours with impairment of daily activities or duration of diarrhoea >1 day. A total of 52840 interviews were completed. The overall weighted prevalence of ADI in the previous month was 5.1% (95% CI+/-0.3%), corresponding to 0.6 episodes of ADI per person per year. The average monthly prevalence of ADI was similar in each of the four survey cycles (range 4.5-5.2%). Rates of ADI were highest in those age <5 years. Of those with ADI, 33.8% (95% CI+/-2.7%) reported vomiting, 19.5% (95% CI+/-2.1%) visited a medical provider, and 7.8% (95% CI+/-1.4%) took antibiotics. Rates of ADI were remarkably consistent over time, and demonstrate the substantial burden placed on the health-care system.

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Figures

Fig
Fig
Among survey respondents without a chronic diarrhoeal illness in all cycles combined (n=50 757), proportion reporting acute diarrhoeal illness (ADI) in the month prior to interview, by month of interview. ■, With vomiting; □, without vomiting.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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