Disease burden of food-related pathogens in the Netherlands, 2013

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 14,500 DALY in 2012 to 13,200 DALY in 2013. The share of foodborne transmission in this burden decreased from 6,600 to 5,800 DALY, reaching the lowest estimated level since 2009. The COI increased by 6 M compared to 2012, reaching a total of 424 million euro. The share of foodborne transmission was 172 million euro. The decrease in disease burden was a result of decreased incidences for most pathogens, except for rotavirus. The latter incidence increased by 16% compared to 2012, reaching a comparable level to 2011 and a ~30% lower level compared to 2009 and 2010. The research presented in this report results in more insight in the true incidence of foodborne diseases and the associated disease burden and costs and enables to monitor trend in time for these public health indicators.