China Reports More Than 7,000 Outbreaks In 2020
Poisonous mushrooms remain a major problem in China as they caused the most outbreaks and deaths in the country in this past year. In 2020, there was a total of 7,073 foodborne outbreaks reported, resulting in 37,454 illnesses and 143 deaths.
The study published in the journal China CDC Weekly used data on cases reported through the National Foodborne Disease Outbreaks Surveillance System from January to December 2020.
Poisonous mushrooms were the top cause of deaths in private homes. Residents in mountainous areas of southwest and central China tended to pick mushrooms and poisonous plants frequently in the wild.
Researchers said publicity should be increased to reduce the incidence of mushroom intoxications in families. People picking and eating mushrooms could not distinguish between poisonous and non-toxic ones, and the rate of timely treatment after poisoning was low and increased the risk of death.
Overall, most outbreaks, illnesses, and deaths were linked to home cooking and catering services. Home cooking had the most deaths with 128.
Influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, for the first time in the past five years, outbreaks that occurred in private homes surpassed those in catering service units in 2020, according to the report.
