Foodborne Outbreaks, Eastern Taiwan, 2014

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.20151124.31(22).002

Shu-Chun Chiu, Kuang-Lo Chen, Jung-Jung Mu

2015 Vol.31 NO.22

Correspondence Author: Shu-Chun Chiu

  • Center for Research, Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan

Abstract:

In 2014, 326 clinical specimens collected from eastern Taiwan were tested for foodborne pathogens; 81 (25%) were positive. Vibrio parahaemolyticus was the leading bacterial etiologic agent (12%), followedby Salmonella (7%), and Staphylococcus aureus (3%). The number of foodborne outbreaks was the highest in Ilan County (n = 25) and number of patients affected was the highest in Taitung County (n = 137). More than 60% of patients in Hualien County and Taitung County were tourists while in Ilan County were mostly local residents. After the Taipei-Ilan Expressway (Hsuehshan Tunnel)opened in 2006, travel time between Taiwan’s capital Taipei and Ilan County was significantly reduced. Moreover, group tourists from  mainland China were allowed to travel independently to Taiwan since 2008. These factors contribute to the rapid increment for tourist visiting eastern Taiwan. Local governments and catering should pay more attention to improve food safety not only for public’s health but also to maintain the quality of our tourism.

Keywords:Foodborne disease;SalmonellaVibrio parahaemolyticusStaphylococcus aureus