Disease burden of food-related pathogens in the Netherlands, 2014

The Ministry of VWS has requested RIVM to present an annual update on the number of illnesses caused by 14 enteric pathogens. These pathogens can be transmitted by food, the environment, animals and humans. The number of persons who are ill and who die from the infections is expressed in DALYs (Disability Adjusted Life Years), a measure of the disease burden in the population. Furthermore, the cost-of-illness (COI) related to the 14 food-related pathogens were estimated and expressed in euros. The total disease burden caused by the 14 pathogens decreased from around 13,000 DALY in 2013 to 12,600 DALY in 2014. The share of foodborne transmission in this estimated burden was comparable to 2013, mounting to 5,900 DALY in 2014. Therewith, the burden estimates for 2013 and 214 ranked as lowest estimates since 2009, the first year of the burden estimates. The food-related COI decreased by 7 M compared to 2013, reaching a total of 165 M for 2014. The increase in burden, yet decrease in costs in the estimates is possibly related to the significant decrease in incidence of rotavirus infections, which display a relatively high cost-per case due to productivity losses. The research presented in this report results in more insight in the true incidence of foodborne diseases and the associated disease burden and costs-of-illnesses and enables to monitor trend in time for these public health indicators.