News | RIVM

First West Nile virus patient in the Netherlands

A male patient has been diagnosed with the West Nile virus last week. The man has not been abroad recently. He may have contracted the virus in the region of Utrecht due to a mosquito bite.

More people getting tested if they have symptoms, staying home remains difficult

Since the recent resurgence of the novel coronavirus, more people perceive the virus as threatening. At the same time, support for the measures has increased and people are following the behavioural recommendations more closely.

Gap between intention and behaviour in staying home and testing for COVID-19

The Dutch policy of staying home and getting tested if you have corona-related symptoms can count on support from the majority of the over 50,000 participants in RIVM’s behavioural study.

Many people willing to isolate at home in case of positive COVID-19 test

The sense of threatening danger from the novel coronavirus is declining. People are feeling less anxious and despondent than in the initial phase of the coronavirus pandemic.

Staying 1.5 metres apart is growing more difficult

Staying 1.5 metres apart seems to be more and more difficult for people to manage.

The 1.5-metre society is difficult to maintain

Personal hygiene measures, such as not shaking hands, or using paper tissues, are not considered a problem by most Dutch people.