Foodborne Outbreak Surveillance
National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS) data tracking foodborne and waterborne illness outbreaks. Monitor pathogen identification, case counts, hospitalizations, and outbreak investigations across the United States.
NORS Outbreak Tracking
Understanding NORS Data
Outbreak Characteristics
Primary Mode
Transmission mechanism: person-to-person, foodborne, waterborne, environmental
Settings
Outbreak locations: restaurants, schools, healthcare facilities, private homes
Illness Counts
Total number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths per outbreak
Water Exposure
Outbreaks with reported recreational or drinking water exposure
Common Pathogens
Bacterial
Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Clostridium perfringens
Viral
Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Rotavirus
Parasitic
Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Cyclospora
Chemical/Toxin
Scombrotoxin, ciguatoxin, mushroom toxins
Data Source Information
CDC Dataset
- • Dataset ID: 5xkq-dg7x
- • Update Frequency: Ongoing
- • Coverage: All US states & territories
- • Start Date: 1998
Reporting Agencies
- • State health departments
- • Local health departments
- • Tribal health authorities
- • Federal agencies
Data Quality Notes
- • Voluntary reporting system
- • Some outbreaks may not be reported
- • Investigation completeness varies
- • Etiology may remain unknown
Food Safety Alert System
Real-time Monitoring: This dashboard provides outbreak surveillance data for public health awareness and food safety monitoring.
Prevention Focus: Data helps identify patterns and high-risk foods to prevent future outbreaks.
Public Health Response: Health departments use NORS data for rapid outbreak investigation and control measures.