Foodborne disease trends in a minority majority state; New Mexico's FoodNet surveillance, 2004 – 2009

The New Mexico (NM) Emerging Infections Program (EIP) collects population-based data for foodborne illnesses through the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet). NM is the only “minority majority” state contributing statewide data to the EIP network. The objective of this analysis was to compare laboratory-confirmed enteric illness in Hispanic, non-Hispanic White (white), and American Indian (AI) populations (41%, 43%, & 11% of population, respectively) for 2004-2009. Campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis, and shigellosis represented the majority of foodborne disease cases in NM. National EIP campylobacteriosis rates averaged 12.8 per 100,000; the NM average was 17.6. Hispanic and white rates were similar (12.8, 12.2), however the AI rate was nearly double the state rate (33.2). In children under five, the rates for Hispanics (43.9) and AIs (61.3) were both higher than for whites (25.9). Salmonellosis rates nationally averaged 15.0; NM rates averaged 16.1. The rate among Hispanics was 14.1, the rate in whites 11.4, and the AI rate was 22.4. Rates in children under five were substantially higher than all-ages rates for Hispanics (54.4), whites (40.3), and AIs (49.9). NM shigellosis rates (6.8) were 25% higher than national estimates (5.4). The Hispanic shigellosis rate (7.8) was more than three-fold higher than the white rate (2.2), and the AI rate (11.7) over five-fold higher. Rates in children under five were 34.4, 8.8, & 47.7, respectively. New Mexico's Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Shigella infection rates are higher than national rates. Further analysis of their distribution in NM's unique population could provide insight into contributing factors and potential interventions.