FoodNet Active Surveillance Variable List

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FoodNet Variable List, 2019
(Site-transmitted variables)
Variable Name

Format

Length

Description

Answers (Legal Values)

Sent by Site or
Created at CDC

Comment

Category

Included in standard
data requests?

Site

Collect for all pathogens for which
culture-independent results are
available. Prior to 2011, called
'EiaClinic'.

2009-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens for which
culture-independent results are
available.

2011-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Year(s) for which
variable is available

Stx1+;

1

AgClinic

Character

30

Stx2+;
For possible E. coli cases: What was the result of specimen
testing for Shiga toxin using an antigen-based test (e.g.EIA Stx1+ & Stx2+;
Positive Undifferentiated;
or lateral flow) at a clinical laboratory?
Negative;
Not Tested
Positive;
For other pathogens: What was the result of specimen
testing using an antigen-based test (e.g. EIA or lateral flow) Negative;
at a clinical laboratory?
Indeterminate;
Not Tested
Abbott Shiga Toxin Quik Check;
Merck Duopath STEC Rapid Test;
Meridian Premier EHEC;
For possible E.coli cases: Name of antigen-based test used at clinical laboratory
Meridian ImmunoCard STAT! E. coli O157 Plus;
Meridian ImmunoCard STAT! EHEC;
Remel ProSpecT STEC;
Meridian ImmunoCard STAT! CAMPY;
For possible Campylobactercases: Name of antigen-based Meridian Premier CAMPY;
test used at clinical laboratory
Remel ProSpecT Campylobacter;
Remel Xpect Campylobacter;
Other;
For other pathogens: Name of antigen-based test used at
clinical laboratory
Unknown

2

AgClinicTestType

Character

100

3

AgeMnth

Numeric

2

Age of case-patient in months if patient is <1yr

1-11

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Demographics

YES

4

AgeYr

Numeric

3

Age of case-patient in years

1-105

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Demographics

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens for which
culture-independent results are
available. Prior to 2011, called
'EiaSphl'.

2009-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens for which
culture-independent results are
available.

2011-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Stx1+;
Stx2+;

5

AgSphl

Character

30

For possible E. coli cases: What was the result of specimen Stx1+ & Stx2+;
testing for Shiga toxin using an antigen-based test (e.g.EIA
Positive Undifferentiated;
or lateral flow) at a state public health laboratory?
Negative;
Not Tested
Positive
For other pathogens: What was the result of specimen
Negative
testing using an antigen-based test (e.g. EIA or lateral flow)
Indeterminate
at a state public health laboratory?
Not tested
Abbott Shiga Toxin Quik Check;
Merck Duopath STEC Rapid Test;
For possible E.coli cases: Name of antigen-based test used at Meridian ImmunoCard STAT! EHEC;
state public health laboratory
Meridian Premier EHEC;

6

AgSphlTestType

Character

100
For possible Campylobacter cases: Name of antigen-based
test used at state public health laboratory

7

8

AR_antacid_any

AR_antacid_any_1

FINAL 10/12/2018

Character

Character

10

30

For other pathogens: Name of antigen-based test used at
state public health laboratory
In the 30 days before (your/your child’s) illness began, did
(you/your child) have any form of antacid?

Remel ProSpecT STEC;
Meridian ImmunoCard STAT! CAMPY;
Meridian Premier CAMPY;
Remel ProSpecT Campylobacter;
Remel Xpect Campylobacter;
Other;
Unknown
Yes; No; Unknown;

Aluminium hydroxide
Ami-Lac
Amphojel
What medications to block acids did (you/your child) take in Axid
the 30 days before {your/your child's) illness began?
Calcium carbonate
Cal Gest
Caltrate
calcium-based supplements
Dexilant
Dialume
Di-Gel
Gas-X with Maalox
Gaviscon
Gelusil
Genaton
Isopan
Maalox / Maox
Magaldrate
Magnesium Hydroxide

Variable Name

Format

Length

9

AR_antacid_any_2

Character

30

10

AR_antacid_any_3

Character

30

11

AR_antibiotic_use

Character

10

Cal Gest
Caltrate
calcium-based supplements
Dexilant
Dialume
Di-Gel
Gas-X with Maalox
Description
Gaviscon
Gelusil
Genaton
Isopan
Maalox / Maox
Magaldrate
Magnesium Hydroxide
Masanti
What medications to block acids did (you/your child) take in Mi-Acid
Milantex
the 30 days before {your/your child's) illness began?
Milk of Magnesia
Mintox
Mylanta
Nexium
Nizatidine
Os-Cal
Oysco
Oyster (shell) calcium
Pepcid
Pepto Children's
Prevacid
Prilosec
Protonix
Ri-Mag
Riopan
Rolaids
Ron-Acid
Rulox
Tagamet
What medications to block acids did (you/your child) take in Tempo
the 30 days before {your/your child's) illness began?
Titralac
Tums
Zantac
Zegerid
Other
Unknown

Did (you/your child) take antibiotics for this illness?

12

AR_antibiotic_use_1

Character

30

What antibiotics did (you/your child) take for this illness?

13

AR_antibiotic_use_2

Character

30

What antibiotics did (you/your child) take for this illness?

14

AR_antibiotic_use_3

Character

30

What antibiotics did (you/your child) take for this illness?

15

AR_antibiotic_use_4

Character

30

What antibiotics did (you/your child) take for this illness?

16

AR_antibiotic_use_5

Character

30

What antibiotics did (you/your child) take for this illness?

FINAL 10/12/2018

Yes; No; Unknown
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin / Clavulanate
Ampicillin
Augmentin
Azithromycin
Bactrim
Biaxin
Ceclor
Cefaclor
Ceftin
Cefixime
Ceftriaxone
Cefuorixime
Cefzil
Cefprozil
Cephalexin
Cephradine
Chloramphenicol
Ciprofloxacin / Cipro
Clarithromycin
Dapsone
Doxycycline
Duricef
Erythromycin
Erythromycin / sulfisoxizole
Flagyl
Floxin
Keflex
Keftab
Levofloxacin
Levoquin
Metronidazole
Norfloxacin / Norflox
Ofloxacin / Oflox
Pediazole
Penicillin / Pen VK
Septra
Suprax
Tetracycline
Trimox
Trimethoprim / Sulfa
Zithromax / Z-Pak
Other
Unknown

FoodNet Variable List, 2019
(Site-transmitted variables)
Answers (Legal Values)

Sent by Site or
Created at CDC

Comment

Category

Included in standard
data requests?

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Year(s) for which
variable is available

FoodNet Variable List, 2019
(Site-transmitted variables)
Sent by Site or
Created at CDC

Comment

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

What antibiotics did (you/your child) take for this illness?

Site

30

What antibiotics did (you/your child) take for this illness?

10

In the 30 days before (your/your child’s) illness began, did
(you/your child) take any antibiotics?

Variable Name

Format

Length

17

AR_antibiotic_use_6

Character

30

What antibiotics did (you/your child) take for this illness?

18

AR_antibiotic_use_7

Character

30

19

AR_antibiotic_use_8

Character

20

AR_antibiotic_use30

Character

Description

21

AR_antibiotic_use30_1

Character

30

What antibiotics did (you/your child) take in the 30 days
before {your/your child's) illness began?

22

AR_antibiotic_use30_2

Character

30

What antibiotics did (you/your child) take in the 30 days
before {your/your child's) illness began?

23

AR_antibiotic_use30_3

Character

30

What antibiotics did (you/your child) take in the 30 days
before {your/your child's) illness began?

24

AR_antibiotic_use30_4

Character

30

What antibiotics did (you/your child) take in the 30 days
before {your/your child's) illness began?

25

AR_antibiotic_use30_5

Character

30

What antibiotics did (you/your child) take in the 30 days
before {your/your child's) illness began?

26

AR_antibiotic_use30_6

Character

30

What antibiotics did (you/your child) take in the 30 days
before {your/your child's) illness began?

27

AR_antibiotic_use30_7

Character

30

What antibiotics did (you/your child) take in the 30 days
before {your/your child's) illness began?

28

AR_antibiotic_use30_8

Character

30

What antibiotics did (you/your child) take in the 30 days
before {your/your child's) illness began?

FINAL 10/12/2018

Floxin
Keflex
Keftab
Levofloxacin
Levoquin
Metronidazole
Norfloxacin / Norflox
Ofloxacin / Oflox
Pediazole
Penicillin / Pen VK
Septra
Suprax
Tetracycline
Trimox
Trimethoprim / Sulfa
Zithromax / Z-Pak
Other
Unknown

Yes; No; Unknown
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin / Clavulanate
Ampicillin
Augmentin
Azithromycin
Bactrim
Biaxin
Ceclor
Cefaclor
Ceftin
Cefixime
Ceftriaxone
Cefuorixime
Cefzil
Cefprozil
Cephalexin
Cephradine
Chloramphenicol
Ciprofloxacin / Cipro
Clarithromycin
Dapsone
Doxycycline
Duricef
Erythromycin
Erythromycin / sulfisoxizole
Flagyl
Floxin
Keflex
Keftab
Levofloxacin
Levoquin
Metronidazole
Norfloxacin / Norflox
Ofloxacin / Oflox
Pediazole
Penicillin / Pen VK
Septra
Suprax
Tetracycline
Trimox
Trimethoprim / Sulfa
Zithromax / Z-Pak
Other
Unknown

Answers (Legal Values)

Category

Included in standard
data requests?

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Year(s) for which
variable is available

FoodNet Variable List, 2019
(Site-transmitted variables)
Sent by Site or
Created at CDC

Comment

Category

Included in standard
data requests?

In the 6 months before (your/your child's) illness began, did
(you/your child) have abdominal surgery (e.g., removal of
Yes; No; Unknown
appendix or gallbladder, or any surgery of the stomach or
large intestine)?

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

10

In the 6 months before (your/your child's) illness began,
were (you/your child) diagnosed or treated for cancer
(including leukemia/lymphoma)?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Character

10

In the 6 months before (your/your child's) illness began,
were (you/your child) diagnosed or treated for diabetes?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Ar_Diet_veal

Character

10

In the past 7 days, did (you/your child) eat any veal?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

33

AR_durationillness

Numeric

10

How many days were (you/your child) sick?

any number

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

34

AR_HHtrav6mo

Character

10

In the 6 months before (your/your child's) illness began, did
any member(s) of your household travel outside of the
Yes; No; Unknown
United States?

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

35

AR_HHtrav6mo_country

Text Field

70

In the 6 months before (your/your child's) illness began,
what countries did the member(s) of your household visit?

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

36

AR_hosp_icu

Character

10

During any part of the hospitalization, did you (your child)
stay in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or a Critical Care Unit Yes; No; Unknown
(CCU)?

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Variable Name

Format

Length

29

AR_comorb_abdominal

Character

10

30

AR_comorb_cancer

Character

31

AR_comorb_diabetes

32

Description

Answers (Legal Values)

Text

Year(s) for which
variable is available

37

AR_probiotic_use30

Character

10

In the 30 days before (you/your child's) illness began, did
(you/your child) take a probiotic?
Probiotics are live microorganims (such as certain types of
bacteria) that may benefit your health. These can take the
Yes; No; Unknown
form of pills, powders, yogurts, and other fermented dairy
products, as well as anything labeled as containing "live and
active cultures" or "probiotics."

38

AR_travel6mo

Character

10

In the 6 months before (your/your child's) illness began, did
Yes; No; Unknown
(you/your child) travel outside of the United States?

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Text Field

70

In the 6 months before (your/your child's) illness began,
what countries did (you/your child) visit?

Text

Site

Varies by site for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Shigella

2018-current

Exposure

NO

Character

7

Was case found during an audit?

Yes; No

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Other

NO

Character

10

Was the pathogen identified by culture?

Yes; No; Unknown; Not Tested

Site

Collect for all bacterial pathogens.
Prior to 2011, called 'StecBioId'.

1996-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Did the case-patient have bloody diarrhea (self reported)
during this illness?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect actively for
Campylobacter; passively for other
pathogens.

2011-current

Clinical Information

YES

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter
Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm);
2016-current (Campy)
2014-current (Salm);
2016-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

Exposure

YES

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm);
2016-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter
Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter
Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter
Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm);
2016-current (Campy)
2014-current (Salm);
2016-current (Campy)
2014-current (Salm);
2016-current (Campy)
2014-current (Salm);
2016-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

Exposure

YES

Exposure

YES

Exposure

YES

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm);
2016-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter
Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter
Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm);
2016-current (Campy)
2014-current (Salm);
2016-current (Campy)
2014-current (Salm);
2016-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

Exposure

YES

Exposure

YES

39

AR_travel6mo_country

40
41

Audit
BioId

42

BloodyDiarr

Character

10

43

CEA_Beef

Character

10

44

CEA_Chicken

Character

10

45

CEA_Dairy

Character

10

46

CEA_Dog

Character

10

47

CEA_Eggs

Character

10

48

CEA_Fish

Character

10

49

CEA_Lettuce

Character

10

50
51

CEA_Live_poultry

Character

10

CEA_Milk_raw

Character

10

52

CEA_Pig

Character

10

53

CEA_Pork

Character

10

FINAL 10/12/2018

In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat beef or
Yes; No; Unknown
any foods containing beef?
In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat chicken
Yes; No; Unknown
or any foods containing chicken?
In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat or drink
Yes; No; Unknown
any dairy products (e.g., milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream,
etc.)?
In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child have any
Yes; No; Unknown
contact with a dog?
In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any eggs? Yes; No; Unknown
In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any fish
Yes; No; Unknown
or fish products?
In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any fresh,
Yes; No; Unknown
raw lettuce?
In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child have any
contact with any live poultry (e.g., chickens, turkeys, hens, Yes; No; Unknown
etc.)?
In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child drink any
Yes; No; Unknown
unpasteurized milk?
In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child have any
Yes; No; Unknown
contact with any pigs?
In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat pork or
any foods containing pork?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site
Site
Site
Site
Site
Site
Site
Site
Site
Site
Site

FoodNet Variable List, 2019
(Site-transmitted variables)

54

Variable Name

Format

Length

CEA_Reptile_amphib

Character

10

55

CEA_Ruminants

Character

10

56

CEA_Seafd

Character

10

57

CEA_Turkey

Character

10

58

County

Character

20

59

60

CultCdc

CultClinic

Character

Character

20

20

Description
In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child have any
contact with a reptile or amphibian (e.g., frog, snake, turtle,
etc.)?
In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child have any
contact with any cattle, goats, or sheep?
In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any
seafood (e.g., crab, shrimp, oysters, clams, etc.)?
In the 7 days before illness, did you/your child eat any
turkey or any foods containing turkey?

Answers (Legal Values)

Yes; No; Unknown

What was the culture result at a clinical lab?

Comment

Category

Included in standard
data requests?

Site

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm);
2016-current (Campy)

Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter
Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter
Collect for Salmonella and
Campylobacter

2014-current (Salm);
2016-current (Campy)
2014-current (Salm);
2015-current (Campy)
2014-current (Salm);
2015-current (Campy)

Exposure

YES

Exposure

YES

Exposure

YES

Exposure

YES

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Demographics

YES

Site

Collect for all cases

2011-current (Campy);
2018-current (others)

Lab Information

YES

Site

Collect for all cases

2011-current (Campy);
2018-current (others)

Lab Information

YES

Site

Collect for all cases

2011-current (Campy);
2018-current (others)

Lab Information

YES

Site

Collect actively for Campylobacter
cases; passively for other
pathogens.

2011-current

Clinical Information

YES

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Case-patient's county of residence

What was the culture result at CDC? (Does not include
confirmation of isolates received.)

Sent by Site or
Created at CDC

Positive;
Negative;
Unknown;
No bacterial growth;
Not tested
Positive;
Negative;
Unknown;
No bacterial growth;
Not tested
Positive;
Negative;
Unknown;
No bacterial growth;
Not tested

Year(s) for which
variable is available

61

CultSphl

Character

20

What was the culture result at a state public health lab?
(Does not include confirmation of isolates received.)

62

Diarrhea

Character

10

Did the case-patient have diarrhea (self-reported) during this
Yes; No; Unknown
illness?

63

DOB

Date

mmddyy10. Case patient's date of birth

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Demographics

NO

64

DtAdmit

Date

mmddyy10. Date of first hospital admission for this illness

Site

Collect for hospitalized cases

1996-current

Hospitalization

YES

65

DtAdmit2

Date

mmddyy10.

Site

Collect for hospitalized cases

2008-current

Hospitalization

YES

66

DtDisch

Date

mmddyy10. Date of first hospital discharge for this illness

Site

Collect for hospitalized cases

1996-current

Hospitalization

YES

67

DtDisch2

Date

mmddyy10.

Site

Collect for hospitalized cases

2008-current

Hospitalization

YES

68

DtEntered

Date

mmddyy10. Date case was entered into site's database

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Other

NO

Date

Date that the case-patient’s symptoms first began for this
mmddyy10.
illness

Site

Collect for all cases

2009-current

Clinical Information

YES
NO

69

DtOnset

Date of hospital admission for second hospitalization for this
illness

Date of hospital discharge for second hospitalization for this
illness

70

DtRcvd

Date

Date case-pateint's specimen was received in laboratory for
mmddyy10.
initial testing

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Lab Information

71

DtRptComp

Date

mmddyy10. Date case report form was completed

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Other

NO

72

DtSpec

Date

mmddyy10. Case-patient's specimen collection date

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Lab Information

YES

73

DtUSDepart

Date

mmddyy10.

If case-patient patient traveled internationally, date of
departure from the U.S.

Site

Collect for cases that reported
international travel during
incubation period; if recently
immigrated, leave blank

2004-current

Travel

YES

74

DtUSReturn

Date

mmddyy10.

If case-patient traveled internationally, date of return to the
U.S.

Site

Collect for cases that reported
international travel during
incubation period; if recently
immigrated, enter as date arrived to
US

2004-current

Travel

YES

75

DxO157

Character

30

For possible E.coli cases: What was the result of specimen
testing for O157 by EIA or PCR at a clinical laboratory?

Site

Collect for E.coli cases

2014-current

Pathogen-specific
(E.coli)

YES

76

DxO157TestType

Character

100

Name of EIA or PCR test used

Site

Collect for E.coli cases

2014-current

Pathogen-specific
(E.coli)

YES

Site

Collect for cases that are part of a
recognized outbreak

2004-current

Outbreak

YES

Positive;
Negative;
Not tested
Meridian ImmunoCard STAT! E. coli O157 Plus;
Biofire Filmarray Gastrointestinal (GI);
Diatherix Gastrointestinal;
Luminex xTag Gastrointestinal Pathogens;
Metametrix;
Lab-developed test;
Other
1-999999;

77

EforsNum

FINAL 10/12/2018

Character

6

CDC FDOSS outbreak ID number

888888='multi-state outbreak with exposure in multiple states'

FoodNet Variable List, 2019
(Site-transmitted variables)
77

Variable Name
EforsNum

Format
Character

Length
6

Description
CDC FDOSS outbreak ID number

78

Ethnicity

Character

1

Case-patient's ethnicity

10

Did the case-patient have fever (self-reported) during this
illness?

Answers (Legal Values)

Sent by Site or
Created at CDC
Site

Comment
Collect for cases that are part of a
recognized outbreak

Year(s) for which
2004-current
variable
is available

Category
Outbreak

Included in standard
data requests?
YES

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Demographics

YES

Site

Collect actively for
Campylobacter; passively for other
pathogens.

2011-current

Clinical Information

YES

Site

Collect for Shigella cases

2019-current

Demographics

NO

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Hospitalization

YES

Site

Collect for hospitalized cases

1996-current

Hospitalization

YES

999999='multi-state outbreak with a single exposure outside of the FoodNet catchment area'

79

Fever

Character

H (Hispanic), N (Non-Hispanic), U (Unknown)
Yes; No; Unknown

In the 7 days before illness, did the case-patient experience
homelessness? This includes staying in a shelter or car,
building, or other structure not intended for housing. (This
Yes; No; Unknown
does not include staying with friends or family, correctional
facilities, care or nusing facilities, single room occupancy, or
other transitional housing.)
Was case-patient hospitalized within (+/-) 7 days of
Yes; No; Unknown
specimen collection?
If case-patient was hospitalized, was s/he transferred to
Yes; No; Unknown
another hospital?

80

Homeless

Character

7

81

Hospital

Character

7

82

HospTrans

Character

7

83

HUS

Character

7

Did case patient have a diagnosis of HUS?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for E.coli cases

2009-current

Clinical Information

YES

Travel

YES

84

Immigrate

Character

7

Did case-patient immigrate to the U.S.? (within 30 days of
onset for Salmonella Typhi & Listeria, and 7 days for all
other pathogens)

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for all cases

2008-current

85

Interview

Character

7

Was the case-patient interviewed by public health (i.e. state
Yes; No; Unknown
or local health department or FoodNet staff)?

Site

Collect for all cases

2008-current

Other

YES

86

LabName

Character

25

Name of submitting laboratory

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Lab Information

NO

87

LabNum

Character

12

Local aliquot identification number

Varies by state

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Lab Information

NO

88

LocalID

Character

16

Case-patient's medical record number

Varies by state

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

ID Field

NO

Site

Collect for all pathogens for which
culture-independent results are
available.

2011-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens for which
culture-independent results are
available.

2011-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens for which
culture-independent results are
available.

2011-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens for which
culture-independent results are
available.

2011-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens for which
culture-independent results are
available.

2011-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

For possible E.coli cases: What was the result of specimen
testing for Shiga toxin using another test at the CDC?
89

OtherCdcTest

Character

30

Stx1+;
Stx2+;
Stx1+ & Stx2+;
Positive Undifferentiated;
Negative;
Not Tested
Positive

For other pathogens: What was the result of specimen
testing using another test at CDC?

Negative
Indeterminate
Not tested
Stx1+;

Stx2+;
Stx1+ & Stx2+;
Positive Undifferentiated;
Negative;
Not Tested
Positive
Negative
For other pathogens: What was the result of specimen
testing using another test at a clinical laboratory?
Indeterminate
Not tested
Autoflourescence
Stained Wet Mount;
Wet Mount;
Name of other test used at a clinical laboratory
Vero Cell Asay;
Other;
Unknown
Stx1+;
Stx2+;
For possible E.coli cases: What was the result of specimen Stx1+ & Stx2+;
testing for Shiga toxin using another test at a state public
Positive Undifferentiated;
health laboratory?
Negative;
Not Tested
Positive
For other pathogens: What was the result of specimen
Negative
testing using another test at a state public health laboratory?
Indeterminate
Not tested
Autoflourescence
Stained Wet Mount;
Wet Mount;
For other pathogens: Name of other test used at a state
public health laboratory
Vero Cell Asay;
For possible E.coli cases: What was the result of specimen
testing for Shiga toxin using another test at a clinical
laboratory?

90

OtherClinicTest

Character

30

91

OtherClinicTestType

Character

100

92

OtherSphlTest

Character

30

93

OtherSphlTestType

Character

100

FINAL 10/12/2018

FoodNet Variable List, 2019
(Site-transmitted variables)
93

Variable Name
OtherSphlTestType

Format
Character

Length
100

For other pathogens: Description
Name of other test used at a state
public health laboratory

Answers (Legal Values)

Sent by Site or
Created
at CDC
Site

Other;
Unknown

Collect for all
pathogens for which
Comment
culture-independent results are
available.

Year(s)
for which
2011-current
variable is available

Category
Culture-Independent
Testing

Included in standard
data requests?
YES

94

Outbreak

Character

7

Was the case-patient part of a recognized outbreak?

Yes; No

Site

Collect for all cases

2004-current

Outbreak

YES

95

OutbrkStID

Character

30

State outbreak identification number

Varies by state

Site

Collect if case is part of a
recognized outbreak

2008-current

Outbreak

NO

96

OutbrkType

Character

50

Type of outbreak that the case-patient was part of

Foodborne; Waterborne; Animal contact; Person-to-person; Environmental contamination other than
food/water; Indeterminate; Other; Unknown

Site

Collect if case is part of a
recognized outbreak

2008-current

Outbreak

YES

97

Outcome

Character

7

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Clinical Information

YES

98

OutFetal

Character

35

Site

Collect for Listeria cases

1996-current

Pathogen-specific
(Listeria)

YES

Site

Collect for all cases. Prior to 2011,
called 'Isolate'.

1996-current

Lab Information

YES

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

ID field

NO

Site

Collect for all pathogens for which
culture-independent results are
available.

2009-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens for which
culture-independent results are
available.

2010-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens detected
by PCR in a clinical lab

2011-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Case-patient's outcome (assessed for non-hospitalized cases
within 7 days of specimen collection date and hospitalized Alive; Dead; Unknown
cases at hospital discharge)
Still pregnant;
If Listeria case was pregnancy-associated, what was the
Fetal death;
outcome of the pregnancy? Note: fetal death includes
Delivery
miscarriage or stillbirth; delivery is a live birth.
Unknown;
Campylobacter;
Cyclospora;
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli;

99

Pathogen

Character

25

Name of bacterial pathogen identified from the casepatient’s specimen

Listeria;
Salmonella;
Shigella;
Vibrio;

100

PatID

Character

9

101

PcrCdc

Character

30

Yersinia;
Varies by state
Stx1+;
Stx2+;
For possible E. coli cases: What was the result of specimen Stx1+ & Stx2+;
Positive Undifferentiated;
testing for Shiga toxin using PCR at CDC?
Unique ID for case-patient's infection

Negative;
Not Tested
Positive;
For other pathogens: What was the result of specimen
testing for diagnosis using PCR at CDC? (Do not enter PCR Negative;
results if PCR was performed for speciation or subtyping).
Not tested
Stx1+;
Stx2+;
For possible E. coli cases: What was the result of specimen Stx1+ & Stx2+;
testing for Shiga toxin using PCR at a clincal laboratory?
Positive Undifferentiated;
Negative;
Not Tested
Positive;
For Campylobacter, Cyclospora, Salmonella, Shigella,
Yersinia: What was the result of specimen testing using PCR Negative;
at a clinical laboratory? (where goal of testing is primary
Not tested
detection not subtyping or speciation)

102

PcrClinic

Character

30
For Vibrio,What was the result of specimen testing using
PCR at a clinical laboratory? (where goal of testing is
primary detection not subtyping or speciation)

Vibrios
V cholerae
Vibrios&V cholerae
Not Tested
Shigella/Stx undiff

For specimens that were culture-confirmed Shigella and
Shiga toxin-positive by PCR: What was the result of
specimen testing using PCR at a clinical laboratory? (For
specimens that were not culture-confirmed or were only
positive for Shigella, indicate "positive" under Shigella
section above)

103

PcrClinicTestType

FINAL 10/12/2018

Character

100

Name of PCR assay used at a clinical lab

Shigella/Stx1
Shigella/Stx2
Shigella/Stx1&2
Biofire Filmarray Gastrointestinal (GI);
Biofire Filmarray Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME);
Biofire Filmarray Blood Culture Identification (BCID);
BD Max Enteric Bacterial;
BD Max Extended Enteric Bacterial;
Diatherix Gastrointestinal;
Hologic Prodesse ProGastro SSCS;
Luminex Gram-Positive Blood Culture;
Luminex Verigene Enteric Pathogens;
Luminex xTag Gastrointestinal Pathogens;

103

PcrClinicTestType
Variable Name

Character
Format

100

FoodNet Variable List, 2019
(Site-transmitted variables)

Name of PCR assay used at a clinical lab

Length

Description

Answers (Legal Values)

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Category

Included in standard
data requests?

2009-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Collect for all pathogens detected
by PCR in a state public health lab

2015-current

Culture-Independent
Testing

YES

Site

Collect for all cases

2008-current

ID field

NO

Site

Collect for Listeria cases

1996-current

Pathogen-specific
(Listeria)

YES

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Demographics

YES

Site

Collect for all pathogens detected
by PCR in a clinical lab

Sent by Site or
Created at CDC

Comment

Site

Collect for all pathogens for which
culture-independent results are
available.

Site

2011-current
Year(s) for which
variable is available

Medical Diagnostics;
Lab-developed test
Unknown
Stx1+;
Stx2+;
For possible E. coli cases: What was the result of specimen Stx1+ & Stx2+;
testing for Shiga toxin using PCR at a state public health
Positive Undifferentiated;
laboratory?
Negative;
Not Tested
For other pathogens: What was the result of specimen
testing for diagnosis using PCR at the state public health
laboratory? (Do not enter PCR results if PCR was
performed for speciation or subtyping).
104

PcrSphl

Character

30
For Vibrio,What was the result of specimen testing using
PCR at a state public health laboratory? (where goal of
testing is primary detection not subtyping or speciation)

For specimens that were culture-confirmed Shigella and
Shiga toxin-positive by PCR: What was the result of
specimen testing using PCR at a clinical laboratory? (For
specimens that were not culture-confirmed or were only
positive for Shigella, indicate "positive" under Shigella
section above)

Positive
Negative
Not tested
Vibrios
V cholerae
Vibrios&V cholerae
Not Tested
Shigella/Stx undiff
Shigella/Stx1
Shigella/Stx2
Shigella/Stx1&2

105

PcrSphlTestType

Character

100

Name of PCR assay used at a state public health lab

106

PersonID

Character

30

Identification number for person or patient

Biofire Filmarray Gastrointestinal (GI);
Biofire Filmarray Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME);
Biofire Filmarray Blood Culture Identification (BCID);
BD Max Enteric Bacterial;
BD Max Extended Enteric Bacterial;
Diatherix Gastrointestinal;
Hologic Prodesse ProGastro SSCS;
Luminex Gram-Positive Blood Culture;
Luminex Verigene Enteric Pathogens;
Luminex xTag Gastrointestinal Pathogens;
Medical Diagnostics;
Lab-developed test
Unknown
Varies by state

107

Pregnant

Character

7

Is this Listeria case pregnancy-associated?

Yes; No; Unknown
A (Asian);
B (Black);
I (American Indian or Alaskan Native);
M (Multi-Racial);
O (Other);
P (Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian);
W (White);

108

Race

Character

1

Case-patienty's race

109

ResultID

Character

30

Unique identifier for laboratory result

Varies by state

Site

Collect for all cases

2008-current

ID field

NO

110

RptComp

Character

7

Is all of the information for this case complete?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Other

YES

111

SentCDC

Character

7

Was specimen or isolate forwarded to CDC for testing or
confirmation?

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for all cases

2009-current

Lab Information

YES

Site

Collect for Salmonella, Listeria,
Shigella, Vibrio, Yersinia

1996-current

Subtyping Information

NO

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Demographics

YES

U (Unknown)

For Campylobacter: n/a.
For Listeria: 1; 1/2a; 1/2b; 1/2c; 3a; 3b; 3c; 4; 4b; Untypeable; Unknown
For Salmonella: See Kaufmann-White scheme
112

SeroSite

Character

60

Serotype/species of pathogen identified by culture,
submitted by site

For Shigella: boydii; dysenteria;, flexneri; sonnei
For Vibrio: alginolyticus; cholerae; cincinnatiensis; damsela; fluvialis; furnissii; harveyi; hollisae;
metschnikovi; mimicus; parahaemolyticus; vulnificus; Unknown
For Yersinia: ldovae; bercovieri;enterocolitica; frederiksenii; intermedia; kristensenii; mollaretii;
pseudotuberculosis; rohdei; ruckeri; Unknown.

113

FINAL 10/12/2018

Sex

Character

1

Case-patient's sex

M (Male); F (Female); U (Unknown)

FoodNet Variable List, 2019
(Site-transmitted variables)
Variable Name

Format

Length

Description

Answers (Legal Values)

114

SiteID

Character

10

Site identification number

California – CDA2, CDA201, CDA20101, CDA20102, CDA20103, CDA202, CDA203, CDA6;
Colorado – CDCO;
Connecticut – CDA5,
GA GOA – CDGE;
GA MSA – CDA1, CDA101;
Maryland - CDE1;
Minnesota –CDMN;
New Mexico – CDNM;
New York – CDNF;
Oregon – CDOR;
Tennessee – CDTN

115

SLabsID

Character

30

State lab identification number

Varies by state

116

117

SpeciesClinic

SpeciesSphl

Character

Character

60

60

For Campylobacter, what was the species result at clinical
lab?

For Campylobacter, what was the species result at SPHL?

For Campylobacter: jejuni; jejuni subsp jejuni; jejuni subsp. doylei; coli; ,lari; lari subsp. concheus; lari
subsp. lari; upsaliensis;,helveticus; fetus; fetus subsp fetus; fetus subsp venerealis;hyointestinalis;
hyointestinalis subsp. hyointestinalis; hyointestinalis subsp. lawsonii; sputorum; sputorum bv sputorum;
sputorum bv paraureolyticus; lanienae; mucosalis;insulaenigrae; concisus; curvus; rectus;
showae;gracilis; canadenesis; peloridis;avium; cuniculorum; hominis; Unknown; Not tested.
For Campylobacter: jejuni; jejuni subsp jejuni; jejuni subsp. doylei; coli; ,lari; lari subsp. concheus;
lari subsp. lari; upsaliensis;,helveticus; fetus; fetus subsp fetus; fetus subsp venerealis;hyointestinalis;
hyointestinalis subsp. hyointestinalis; hyointestinalis subsp. lawsonii; sputorum; sputorum bv sputorum;
sputorum bv paraureolyticus; lanienae; mucosalis;insulaenigrae;concisus; curvus; rectus;
showae;gracilis; canadenesis; peloridis;avium; cuniculorum; hominis; Unknown; Not tested.

SpecSite

Character

30

Case patient's specimen collection source

Abscess;
Amniotic fluid;
Blood;
Bone;
CSF;
Ear;
Gall bladder;
Genitals;
Joint;
Lung;
Peritoneal fluid;
Placenta;
Rectal swab;
Sputum;
Stool;
Urine;
Wound;
Unknown

119

State

Character

2

Case patient's state of residence

CA; CO; CT; GA; MD; MN; NM; NY; OR; TN

120

StecHAg

Character

3

121

StecOAg

Character

3

118

If E. coli, what was the H-antigen number?

If E. coli, what was the O-antigen number?

1-99
999 = NM
1-999
‘555'=not O157, O antigen pending or at CDC
’666'=not O157, O antigen unknown
‘777'=O antigen undetermined

Sent by Site or
Created at CDC

Comment

Category

Included in standard
data requests?

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

ID field

NO

Site

Collect for all cases for which the
isolate was sent to a state public
health lab

1996-current

Lab Information

NO

Site

Collect for Campylobacter

2010-current

Subtyping Information

NO

Site

Collect for Campylobacter

2010-current

Subtyping Information

NO

Site

Collect for all cases. If specimen
source is something other than
listed in legal values, please
specify. Do not code as 'other'.

1996-current

Lab Information

NO

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Demographics

YES

Site

Collect for E.coli cases

1996-current

Pathogen-specific
(E.coli)

NO

Site

Collect for E.coli cases

1996-current

Pathogen-specific
(E.coli)

NO

Year(s) for which
variable is available

'999'=O antigen rough
122

StecStx

Character

40

Was E. coli Shiga toxin-producing?

Yes; No; Unknown; Not Tested

Site

Collect for E.coli cases

1996-current

Pathogen-specific
(E.coli)

NO

123

StLabRcvd

Character

7

Was the isolate sent to a state public health laboratory?
(Answer 'Yes' if it was sent to any state lab, even if it was
sent to a lab outside of the case's state of residence)

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Lab Information

YES

124

TravelDest

Text Field

70

If case-patient traveled internationally, to where did they
travel?

List country, or countries, visited

Site

Collect for cases that reported
international travel during
incubation period

2004-current

Travel

YES

125

TravelInt

Character

7

Did the case patient travel internationally? (within 30 days
of onset for Salmonella Typhi & Listeria, 15 days for
Cryptosporidum and Cyclospora, and 7 days for all other
pathogens)

Yes; No; Unknown

Site

Collect for all cases

2004-current

Travel

YES

126

WGS_ID

Character

100

WGS ID Number

Varies by state: from pulsenet or NCBI

Site

Collect for all cases that were WGS

2018-current

Lab Information

NO

127

Zipcode

Character

10

Case-patient's zipcode

5 digit zipcode; 5 digit plus 4, if available.

Site

Collect for all cases

1996-current

Demographics

NO

FINAL 10/12/2018