Emerg Infect DiseidEmerging Infectious Diseases1080-60401080-6059Centers for Disease Control104589682627734Research ArticleThe surveillance of vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 in Wales, 1990 to 1998.ChalmersR. M.rachel.chalmers@cdsc.wales.nhs.ukParryS. M.SalmonR. L.SmithR. M.WillshawG. A.CheastyT.Public Health Laboratory Service Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, Cardiff, United Kingdom.Jul-Aug199954566569

Population-based surveillance for Vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) O157 has been carried out in Wales since 1990. The annual incidence has remained stable during the 9-year period (mean: 1.6 cases per 100,000 population); the rate is highest in children younger than 5 years of age. Blood in the stool is reported in fewer than half the cases, indicating the importance of screening all fecal specimens for VTEC O157.