The economic burden of a Salmonella Thompson outbreak caused by smoked salmon in the Netherlands, 2012-2013.
In 2012, the Netherlands experienced the most extensive food-related outbreak of Salmonella ever recorded. It was caused by smoked salmon contaminated with Salmonella Thompson during processing. In total, 1149 cases of salmonellosis were laboratory confirmed and reported to RIVM. Twenty percent of cases was hospitalised and four cases were reported to be fatal. The purpose of this study was to estimate total costs of the Salmonella Thompson outbreak.



Data from a case-control study were used to estimate the cost-of-illness of reported cases (i.e. healthcare costs, patient costs and production losses). Outbreak control costs were estimated based on interviews with staff from health authorities. Using the Dutch foodborne disease burden and cost-of-illness model, we estimated the number of underestimated cases and the associated cost-of-illness.



The estimated number of cases, including reported and underestimated cases was 21 123. Adjusted for underestimation, the total cost-of-illness would be €6.8 million (95% CI €2.5-€16.7 million) with productivity losses being the main cost driver. Adding outbreak control costs, the total outbreak costs are estimated at €7.5 million.



In the Netherlands, measures are taken to reduce salmonella concentrations in food, but detection of contamination during food processing remains difficult. As shown, Salmonella outbreaks have the potential for a relatively high disease and economic burden for society. Early warning and close cooperation between the industry, health authorities and laboratories is essential for rapid detection, control of outbreaks, and to reduce disease and economic burden.
Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
Anita W M
AWM
Suijkerbuijk
Center for Zoonosis and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.|Present address: Vion N.V., Boxtel, The Netherlands.
Martijn
M
Bouwknegt
Center for Zoonosis and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.|Center for Epidemiology and Surveillance of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.|Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Marie-Josee J
MJ
Mangen
Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.|Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
G Ardine
GA
de Wit
Center for Epidemiology and Surveillance of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
Wilfrid
W
van Pelt
Center for Epidemiology and Surveillance of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
Paul
P
Bijkerk
Center for Epidemiology and Surveillance of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
Ingrid H M
IHM
Friesema
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000191:economics*; D005519:Food Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D012474:Salmon; D012478:Salmonella Food Poisoning / Q000191:economics*; D055815:Young Adult