Epidemiology Study of the Outbreak of Diseases Transmitted through Water and Food in Ardabil Province during the Years 2013-2022

Outbreak reporting is essential for a proper understanding of foodborne disease epidemiology. Accurate reporting makes it possible to identify the type of contaminated food, the location of the outbreak, and the factors affecting the consumption of contaminated food and to use this information in control and prevention strategies.

Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the epidemiology of disease outbreaks transmitted through water and food in Ardabil province from 2013 to 2022.

In the current study, the statistical population included all cases of food-borne diseases recorded in all cities of Ardabil province from 2013 to 2022. The desired data were obtained from the Health Department of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences.

The basis of diagnosis was all suspected patients who shared food or drinking water and shared digestive symptoms. After receiving the results of the tests of water, food, and human samples taken during the flood, the cause of the flood was determined, and the results were recorded as the final report of the flood in the portal of the Labor and Environment Health Center. After collecting the information in the researcher's checklist, it was entered into statistical software to analyze the data using statistical software. A total of 223 cases of flooding have been reported in Ardabil province. In terms of examining the months when the spread of the disease reached the maximum level, different data have been recorded. Khalkhal City, Ardabil City, and Beileh Savar City reported the highest number of floods. This prevalence was higher in urban areas and in the age group of 16 to 30 years. The dominant gender group was mostly women.

In most cases, the primary location was the home, and the main food consumed was kebab or broth. The causative agent remained unidentified in most patients.