The development of whole genome sequencing (WGS) has improved foodborne illness surveillance and outbreak detection. Use of WGS has led to the recognition of some pathogenic strains that cause reoccurring, emerging, or persisting (REP) illness.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other federal and state partners are now tracking several REP strains, which are groups of genetically related bacteria related that continue to cause illnesses over time or may cause repeated outbreaks.
