A World Health Organization analysis published in August 2026 estimates that 14 foodborne parasites cause approximately 171 million illnesses globally. Led by the Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group, researchers utilized disability-adjusted life years to measure disease severity and duration. The study highlights that neglected tropical diseases like neurocysticercosis, a leading cause of epilepsy, continue to disproportionately affect low-resource regions and perpetuate poverty.
Foodborne parasitic disease burden
- ▪The updated global estimates on foodborne parasitic diseases were published in a study led by Lucy J Robertson in the journal The Lancet Global Health.
- ▪A World Health Organization analysis published in August 2026 estimates that approximately 171 million illnesses worldwide are attributable to the foodborne transmission of 14 invasive parasites.
WHO FERG methodology
- ▪The World Health Organization Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group study incorporated over a decade of new research to refine previous global disease estimates.
- ▪The updated foodborne parasite analysis was conducted as part of the World Health Organization Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group initiative.
Disability-adjusted life years
- ▪Researchers evaluated the foodborne parasitic disease burden using disability-adjusted life years, which combine years of life lost to premature death and years lost to disability.
- ▪Dr. Christine Budke of Texas A&M University stated that disability-adjusted life years provide a complete picture of disease impact by measuring illness severity and duration.
Neurocysticercosis global estimates
- ▪Neurocysticercosis is a leading cause of epilepsy globally, but diagnosis is hindered in many high-prevalence countries by a lack of advanced imaging technologies like CT scans.
- ▪Dr. Christine Budke worked with University of Montreal researchers to update estimates for neurocysticercosis, a brain-infecting disease caused by pork tapeworm larvae.
Neglected tropical diseases
- ▪Neglected tropical diseases can perpetuate cycles of poverty by impairing individuals' ability to work, support families, and advocate for public health investments.
- ▪Many foodborne parasitic diseases are classified as neglected tropical diseases, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and receive low research funding and public attention.
Public health resource allocation
- ▪Dr. Christine Budke warned that foodborne parasitic diseases remain a public health concern in low-resource regions where surveillance and control programs are limited.
- ▪The World Health Organization updates foodborne disease estimates to assist governments and public health organizations in making informed decisions regarding resource allocation.
Story comments
Loading comments…