Foodborne botulism in Poland in 2016

OBJECTIVES: The main aim of the study is to assess the epidemiological situation of foodborne botulism in Poland in 2016 compared to previous years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this assessment we reviewed national surveillance data on foodborne botulism cases published in the annual bulletin “Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2016” and in previous publications, as well as unpublished data retrieved from botulism case reports for 2016 sent from Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations to the Department of Epidemiology NIPH-NIH.

RESULTS: In 2016, a total of 26 foodborne botulism cases (including 18 laboratory confirmed) were reported and the annual incidence rate (0.07 per 100,000 population) was slightly lower than both the previous year and the median incidence from 2010-2014. The highest incidence in the country was noted in Lubelskie (0.33), Warmińsko-mazurskie (0.28) and Zachodniopomorskie provinces (0.23). The incidence in rural areas (0.10 per 100,000 population) was twice as high as in urban areas (0.05); incidence among men was 8 times as high as among women; the highest incidence (0.36) was observed in men in the age group of 50-59 years. Most cases were associated with consumption of homemade canned fish or pork products and mixed or unknown types of canned meats. All patients were hospitalized. Three deaths related to the disease were reported.

CONCLUSIONS: In 2016, the epidemiological situation of foodborne botulism in Poland has not changed significantly. This study suggests the need for training of health care professionals to improve diagnosis of botulism as well as continuous health education with respect to how to safely preserve, store and consume food at home.