Botulism Cases in Romania-An Overview of 14-Year National Surveillance Data

Abstract

Botulism is a priority disease worldwide because it has a very severe course of evolution that can lead to death. This paper aims to describe the main epidemiological characteristics of botulism cases confirmed in Romania over 14 years (2007-2020). We performed a retrospective study using the publicly available national surveillance data and reported to the National Institute of Public Health. A total of 325 cases of foodborne botulism were reported in Romania, with no infant or wound botulism. Most of the cases (125, 38.5%) were reported among young adults (25-44 years old), over half (205, 63%) of them living in rural areas. The incriminated food item was identified in 161 cases; in most cases (145, 90%) the food item was prepared in the household. The main food category was represented by meat and meat-based products (94, 68.6%). In almost all cases the identified type was BoNT/B (230/231, 99.5%). Fifteen deaths were recorded, and the case fatality rate was 4.6%. Botulism cases were reported annually in Romania. Surveillance data are essential for implementing control measures and adapting educational campaigns according to existing needs.

Keywords: Romania; botulism cases; surveillance.

Figure 1

Distribution of botulism cases by year (n = 325) in Romania, 2007–2020.

Figure 2

Annual incidence rate of botulism (number of botulism cases/100,000 inhabitants), Romania, 2007–2020.

Figure 3

Monthly distribution of cumulative botulism cases (n = 325) in Romania, 2007–2020.

Figure 4

Distribution of cumulative botulism cases (n = 325) by county in Romania, 2007–2020.

Figure 5

Distribution of cumulative botulism cases (n = 325) by age groups in Romania, 2007–2020.

Figure 6

Foodborne botulism by food products linked to cases (n = 137), Romania, 2007–2020.