Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) is a common foodborne pathogen in coastal areas of China. Most epidemiological studies on V. parahaemolyticus have focused on foodborne disease outbreaks, with fewer studies based on long-term, continuous, and systematic sentinel surveillance. METHODS: Data were collected from the national foodborne disease active surveillance program in 31 provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs) in China from 2013 to 2022. V. parahaemolyticus-positive cases were collected for further analysis in this study. RESULTS: From 2013 to 2022, the National Foodborne Disease Case Surveillance System identified 23,818 cases of V. parahaemolyticus foodborne infection in China. Patient ages ranged from 2 months to 100 years, with an average age of 38.41 years. These cases primarily occurred in coastal areas during summer. A new serotype, O10:K4, emerged in 2020 and has become the dominant serotype over O3:K6. CONCLUSIONS: V. parahaemolyticus infection is common in the eastern coastal areas of China and is strongly associated with aquatic food consumption. This study recommends that food regulatory authorities increase routine surveillance and inspection during high-risk periods and in high-risk areas. Authorities should also use social media platforms to conduct extensive public education campaigns on the prevention and control of V. parahaemolyticus-associated foodborne disease.