Gastrointestinal infections
Gastrointestinal infections are infections that affect the digestive system, primarily caused by various bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These infections can result in symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. While many gastrointestinal infections are relatively mild and self-limiting, they can have significant consequences for human health, especially among vulnerable populations such as the very young, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
From a public health perspective, gastrointestinal infections pose several challenges. They can easily spread from person to person through contaminated food, water, or contact with infected individuals, leading to outbreaks in communities or even across regions. These outbreaks can strain healthcare systems and result in economic losses due to illness-related absenteeism and medical expenses. Public health measures, such as hygiene education, food safety regulations, and outbreak monitoring, are crucial in preventing the transmission of gastrointestinal infections and safeguarding the health of populations.
Where incidence rates are quoted they are per 100,000 population with the population data taken from mid-year estimates published by the Main statistics | Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (nisra.gov.uk)
GI reports
Most recent GI reports
The NI Gastrointestinal Surveillance Report for 2023-24 can be found here – Coming Soon!
Previous GI reports
To see the previous NI Gastrointestinal Surveillance Reports
N Ireland Gastrointestinal Surveillance Report 2018
N Ireland Gastrointestinal Surveillance Report 2017
N Ireland Gastrointestinal Surveillance Report 2016
N Ireland Gastrointestinal Surveillance Report 2015
N Ireland Gastrointestinal Surveillance Report 2014
Trends in gastrointestinal infection rates
Below, you will find a set of graphical representations illustrating gastrointestinal-associated infections, including the corresponding laboratory report figures and population-based rates spanning the years 2017 to 2022 in Northern Ireland.
Laboratory reports and incidence rate of Campylobacter, 2013 – 2022.
Laboratory reports of Cryptosporidium, 2013 - 2022
Laboratory reports of E. coli O157, 2013 - 2022
Laboratory Reports of Salmonella, 2013 - 2022
Number of laboratory reports of selected gastrointestinal infections 2013-2022.
Brucellosis (human)
Brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by various species of the Brucella bacteria. This disease primarily affects animals like cattle, goats, and pigs, however, it can also infect humans, typically through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated animal products such as unpasteurised milk or undercooked meat. Brucellosis in humans can lead to flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle pain, and fatigue, and in severe cases, it can affect various organs, including the liver, spleen, and joints. The significance of brucellosis lies in its potential to become a public health concern, as it can spread from animals to humans, especially those working closely with livestock.
Brucellosis in Northern Ireland
From 1970 there has been a total number or 6 confirmed cases of Brucellosis in Northern Ireland.
For more information about Brucellosis, or if you believe you may have Brucellosis, please visit NI Direct (Brucellosis).
Hepatitis A, E
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