Preliminary FoodNet data on the incidence of foodborne illnesses--selected sites, United States, 2000.

Each year in the United States, an estimated 76 million persons contract foodborne illnesses. CDC's Emerging Infections Program Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) collects data about nine foodborne diseases in eight U.S. sites to quantify and monitor foodborne illnesses. This report describes preliminary surveillance data for 2000 and compares them with 1996-1999 data. The data indicate the relative frequency of diagnosed infections, demonstrate substantial regional variation, and suggest trends in incidence. FoodNet provides data for monitoring foodborne illnesses and interventions designed to reduce them.