Analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of mushroom poisoning cases in Jiangxi Province from 2015 to 2019

Abstract

Objective To analyze the epidemiology characteristics of mushroom poisoning cases in Jiangxi Province from 2015 to 2019, and to provide reference for scientific prevention and control of mushroom poisoning. Methods Descriptive analysis was conducted on the data of mushroom poisoning cases in Jiangxi Province reported through "Foodborne Disease Surveillance Reporting System" and "Foodborne Disease Outbreak Reporting System" from 2015 to 2019. Results A total of 1 354 mushroom poisoning cases were reported in Jiangxi Province from 2015 to 2019, the average annual incidence was 0.59/100 000, the average case fatality rate was 1.6%(21/1 354), and most of the cases occurred during May to October. The mushroom poisoning cases were clustered in some counties in the Shangrao, Yichun and Jiujiang regions. Most of the patients were older than 40, accounting for 59.5% (806/1 354). The case fatality rates were highest in children under 6 years old and those over 60 years old, accounting for 6.3%(5/80) and 2.4%(8/327) respectively, and most of the cases were farmers. 93.3%(1 263/1 354) of the mushroom poisoning cases and 95.2%(20/21) of the deaths occurred at home, and 86.6%(1 172/1 354) of mushrooms were self-collected. The common clinical manifestations were gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusion Mushroom poisoning cases in Jiangxi Province had the characteristics of seasonality and regionality, publicity and education should be targeted at key population and district, and the training of medical staff at the primary level should be strengthened to reduce the number of poisoning deaths.

Keywords

• mushroom poisoning
• foodborne disease
• epidemiological characteristics
• food poisoning
• jiangxi