Incident characteristics of food poisoning in Yunnan province, 2006-2013

Objective To analyze the incidence and prevalence characteristics of food poisoning reported in Yunnan province during 2006-2013 and to provide evidences for the prevention and control of food poisoning.Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the data for food poisoning incidents reported through the on-line public health emergency reporting system in Yunnan province from 2006 through 2013.Results The number of food poisoning incident reported was 504;the number of food poisoning patients was 15962;and the number of death caused by the events was 432, with a fatality rate of 2.71%.Most of the food poisoning incidents occurred between June and July of a year and more than a half of the incidents(277, 54.96%) were related to toxic plants(mainly wild mushroom) and animals.Of all the food poisoning patients registered, 10580(66.28%) were related to microbial pathogens and Salmonella was the main pathogenic microorganism detected.About 70% of the reported food poisoning incidents occurred at homes(47.62%) and schools(21.83%).Conclusion The prevention and control of food poisoning should focus on consumption of wild mushroom, Salmonella contamination of food, and the places such as homes and schools in Yunnan province.