Data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s FoodNet Facts and Figures website shows that children under four have the highest number of cases of bacterial and parasitic infections when compared to older individuals. Per 100,000 individuals, there were over 28 children younger than four who contracted campylobacter, nearly 75 diagnosed with Salmonella, and 27 infected with Shigella. Additionally, just over four children per 100,000 individuals were infected with E. Coli O157:H7, which can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), especially in young children. Vibrio, a family of bacteria found in shellfish, was an exception. When ingested, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea in addition to other symptoms. In this category, perhaps because children are less likely to eat shellfish, people over 50 had the highest rate of infection.
So, what accounts for these statistics? First, young children are more likely to get medical assistance for diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms of foodborne illnesses often go untreated in teenagers and adults. This means doctors and the CDC gather more data on young children who have food poisoning. Secondly, teenagers and adults normally have stronger immune systems and are less likely to worry about the symptoms of foodborne illnesses. In addition, young children in daycare and other school settings often share toys, drinks, and may wash their hands less often.
Link to the CDC Table discussed in this article: http://www.cdc.gov/foodnet/factsandfigures/ByAgeGroup_Incidence.pdf
Richard J. Arsenault, 2010
