News | RIVM

Grey heron infected with West Nile virus

A grey heron in the Noord-Holland-Noord region has tested positive for the West Nile virus. The virus is rare in the Netherlands.

Bas van de Meulengraaf

PFAS levels in drinking water from river water need to be brought down

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) advises to reduce PFAS concentrations in the drinking water in parts of the Netherlands in the coming years. This concerns drinking water produced from river water.

Vaccination campaign to end as number of monkeypox infections consistently low

The current monkeypox outbreak is virtually over, and therefore the vaccination campaign to stop the spread of monkeypox, or ‘apenpokken’ in Dutch, will soon be coming to an end.

Pleister op arm na vaccinatie

Patient with cutaneous diphtheria in reception centre

This week, a refugee from Syria was found to be infected with the diphtheria bacterium. The patient has been treated with antibiotics. The patient’s contacts have been tested and vaccinated.

Changes to the human environment: urgent focus on infectious diseases needed

Infectious diseases should be a key element in designing the environment in which people live and work. Changes to the living environment can unintentionally increase the risk of spreading pathogens.

Higher alert level for Ebola

There is an Ebola outbreak in several regions of Uganda that are also frequented by tourists. RIVM therefore asks medical professionals to be alert to symptoms that could indicate Ebola among people who have travelled to Uganda, and to request diagnostics to rule out or confirm Ebola.

Initial response to Safety Board report on COVID-19 crisis

The Dutch Safety Board (OVV) has published its report ‘Approach to the COVID-19 crisis - Part 2: September 2020 to July 2021’. The report also includes a recommendation for RIVM.

Less greenhouse gas emissions across the supply chain: survey for policy development

The Dutch Climate Agreement contains measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Netherlands. Many products used in the Netherlands are manufactured abroad.

Cancer screening programmes now more accessible to transgender and intersex persons

Since October 2022, is it has become easier for transgender and intersex persons to take part in cervical cancer screening and breast cancer screening. Transgender and intersex persons with a uterus and/or breast tissue can register with Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland.

Transgender symbool

Upward trend in COVID-19 figures continues: extra risk for vulnerable groups

The upward trend in COVID-19 figures continues to rise in the Netherlands. The increase is visible in all areas. The number of nursing home residents who tested positive for COVID-19 rose by 23% last week. Hospitals are also admitting more and more people due to COVID-19.

Oudere man krijgt vaccinatieprik