General outbreaks of infectious intestinal disease associated with fish and shellfish, England and Wales, 1992-1999

Commun Dis Public Health. 2001 Jun;4(2):117-23.

Abstract

Between 1992 and 1999 1425 foodborne general outbreaks of Infectious Intestinal Disease (IID) were reported to the PHLS Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre. Of these, 148 (10%) were associated with the consumption of fish and shellfish. Three main aetiologies were identified. Outbreaks associated with fish (47%) occurred more frequently in the summer months, and were linked with Scombrotoxic fish poisoning caused by the consumption of tuna that was improperly stored. Outbreaks associated with molluscs (36%) were associated with the consumption of oysters contaminated with viral pathogens, particularly in February. Outbreaks associated with the consumption of crustaceans (11%) often involved eating prawns that contained either salmonellas or viral pathogens. The maintenance of microbial quality from prior to capture/harvesting until the moment of consumption, based on a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point style approach, is essential if gastrointestinal illness associated with such produce is to be avoided.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Animals
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Outbreaks / prevention & control*
  • England / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Fishes*
  • Food Microbiology*
  • Foodborne Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Foodborne Diseases / etiology
  • Foodborne Diseases / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Intestinal Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Intestinal Diseases / etiology
  • Intestinal Diseases / prevention & control
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Seasons
  • Shellfish Poisoning*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Wales / epidemiology