Epidemiological characteristics of the most common zoonoses in the central Banat district of Vojvodina from 2002 to 2016

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of the most common zoonoses in the Central Banat District of Vojvodina. Material and Methods. A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted using data of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina and Public Health Institute Zrenjanin. The data for this study were collected from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2016. Results. Apart from Q fever, which showed a stable incidence, the trend of incidence rates of other two zoonoses decreased between 2002 and 2016. Q fever was three times more common in males than females, while the incidence of males and females was similar among patients with Trichinellosis and Salmonellosis. Regarding the age distribution, the highest average incidence rate (12/100,000) of Trichinellosis was reported in patients aged 20-39 years; Salmonellosis predominated among patients aged 0-19 years (64.6/100,000), and Q fever in the 20-39 age group (9.2/100,000). Pork products were the most common source of outbreaks of Trichinellosis, while cakes and cookies were the most common source of outbreaks of Salmonelloses. Out of 92 interviewed patients with Q fever, 50 (54.3%) had a direct daily contact with their domestic animals during the maximum incubation period. Conclusion. In order to improve evaluation of epidemiological characteristics of the most common zoonoses and consequently their control in a timely manner, efficient exchange of information between health sectors for humans and animals is necessary, along with continuous education of food handlers and the general population of the Central Banat District of Vojvodina.