News | RIVM

Young people less likely to contact GP for mental health problems

The percentage of young people who report having mental health problems has hardly decreased since the last lockdown (in early 2022).

RSV summer peak possibly caused by declining antibodies during COVID-19 pandemic

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common virus that causes cold symptoms. In particularly, young children and vulnerable older people are more likely to become seriously ill if they get it.

Some disinfection methods against the coronavirus may be unsafe

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, new and additional disinfection methods have become available. Because not all of these products fall under the same legislation, there are some on the market today whose efficacy and safety have not been evaluated by an independent body.

No new SARS-CoV-2 variants discovered in wastewater on aircraft from China

Wastewater on aircraft from China has not been found to contain any new variants of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 so far. These findings are from several tests performed by RIVM. However, the wastewater was found to contain coronavirus particles.

Mpox vaccinations in 2022

More than 18 thousand people in the Netherlands have received one or more mpox vaccinations. The vaccination campaign was launched late last July, shortly after the outbreak began, and ended last month.

Science Photo Library / ANP

People working from home more likely to have health problems

People who worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to have physical complaints than people working on location (location workers). Examples included upper back pain, lower back pain, and pain in arms, neck and/or shoulders. These findings are from RIVM research.

Key persons should be involved in policy for pandemics

RIVM advises government authorities to involve ‘key persons’ in formulating policy for current and future pandemics. Results from RIVM research show that these individuals played a key role in ensuring an ongoing focus on social well-being and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the limitations.

Downward trend in COVID-19 continues: thermometer to status 1

Infections with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 are continuing to decrease in the Netherlands. This trend is also reflected in hospitals and nursing homes. The coronavirus thermometer is therefore shifting to status 1. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 on society and the healthcare system is currently limited.

Incidence of infections that cause gastrointestinal symptoms on the rise again

In 2021, the incidence of enteric infections – which mainly cause gastrointestinal symptoms – was higher than in 2020, but still lower than before the coronavirus pandemic. This is the outcome of a study into enteric infections and pathogens transmitted from animals to humans.

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.