Nationwide hospitalization rates for salmonellosis in Chile, 2021–2024: A retrospective study

Salmonellosis is a major enteric infection and a leading cause of diarrheal disease worldwide. In Chile, however, contemporary evidence on its hospital burden remains limited. This study aimed to estimate the hospitalization rate due to salmonellosis in Chile between 2021 and 2024 and to describe variations by sex, age group, and length of hospital stay. A retrospective, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using secondary data from the Department of Health Statistics and Information (DEIS) of the Chilean Ministry of Health and population estimates from the National Institute of Statistics (INE). Annual hospitalization rates were calculated per 100,000 inhabitants and stratified by sex and age group. Data were processed using Microsoft Excel. Between 2021 and 2024, a total of 2672 hospital discharges due to salmonellosis were reported, corresponding to an overall hospitalization rate of 3.61 per 100,000 inhabitants. The lowest hospitalization rate was observed in 2022 (3.25), while the highest occurred in 2024 (4.29). A slight male predominance was observed during the study period (3.67 in men vs. 3.56 in women). Children under 5 years exhibited the highest hospitalization rate (11.74) , whereas adolescents aged 15–19 years had the lowest hospitalization rate (2.36). The mean length of hospital stay during the study period was 4.69 days. The hospitalization rate of salmonellosis remained relatively stable during the study period, suggesting a persistent baseline level of hospital-treated disease in Chile. Continued epidemiological surveillance is essential to monitor potential changes in hospitalization trends and guide public health strategies. The higher hospitalization rates observed in children under 5 years and older adults highlight vulnerable age groups that may require focused monitoring and healthcare planning. • National hospital burden estimates of salmonellosis in Chile (2021–2024). • Highest hospitalization rates in children under 5 and older adults. • Post-pandemic increase in salmonellosis-related hospital discharges. • Stable hospital length of stay during the study period. • Findings support stronger surveillance and food safety policies.