News | RIVM

New test for Lyme disease is not reliable

To determine whether someone has Lyme disease, doctors in the Netherlands often use antibody tests. For some time now, so-called cellular tests have been available on the market.

Verschillende commerciële laboratoria gebruiken zogeheten cellulaire testen voor Lyme. Helaas zijn niet betrouwbaar.

Many more infections, limited increase in hospital admissions

In the past week, the number of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in the Netherlands increased by 64% compared to the week before that.

winkelende mensen

Current knowledge on microplastics in the soil is still inadequate

A literature review carried out by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has concluded that reliable standard techniques should be developed to analyse microplastics in the soil.

Hertjes aan de waterkant

New crisis response organisation at RIVM to control future pandemics

The cabinet has agreed to the proposal of Ernst Kuipers, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, to set up a National Functionality for Infectious Disease Control (LFI).

RIVM hoofdingang

Flu vaccination also available for pregnant women as of this autumn

Every year, people aged 60+ and people with certain medical conditions can get the free flu vaccination. On the recommendation of the Health Council of the Netherlands, the free flu vaccination will now also be made available to pregnant women.

Zwangere vrouw krijgt griepprik

Decrease in visits to GP only during first wave of COVID-19 crisis

During the first wave of infections in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 crisis (March–June 2020), the total number of visits to the GP was 11% lower than during the same period in 2019.

Arts met stethoscoop

More than 1 in 5 young people had suicidal thoughts during last lockdown

More than 1 in 5 young people (22%) between the ages of 12 and 25 years seriously thought about ending their lives between December 2021 and February 2022. A lockdown was in effect in the Netherlands at that time.

Hand op schouder van iemand

Vaccination against pathogenic meningococci works very well

RIVM research shows that the vaccine against meningococci protects against all pathogenic forms of the meningococcus bacteria (types W, C and Y).

Drie meisjes wandelen in een park

Substances from thermally cleaned soil pose no health risk

Substances from thermally cleaned soil in the sea dyke in Perkpolder do not pose a risk to the health of local residents.

Monitor to provide better insight into oral health in the Netherlands

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has looked into what measurable aspects (indicators) could be used to measure oral health in the Netherlands over the next few years.

Jonge man poetst zijn tanden voor de spiegel