News | RIVM

Respiratory infections now in season

It is October and seasonal respiratory infections are on the rise. In autumn and winter, there is an increase in people who are coughing and sneezing. Various viruses or bacteria can cause a respiratory infection.

Pneumonia increase likely caused by multiple viruses and bacteria

More patients with pneumonia visited their GP from August 2023 on than in previous years. The rise in cases of pneumonia among children, adolescents and young adults aged 5–25 years is particularly notable.

Respiratory infections widespread, even more important to follow recommendations

The number of people in the Netherlands with respiratory symptoms continues to increase. Besides COVID-19 and rhinovirus, the number of people who have flu is also increasing. We are also seeing more and more people with pneumonia. Some of these cases are caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Respiratory infections season started

More and more people are coughing and sneezing, although it is not an epidemic at this point. The season in which respiratory infections circulate in the Netherlands has now started. There are various viruses that can cause respiratory infections.

Safety of materials and products already starts at the design phase

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management aims to ensure that all new materials and technological developments are safe in 2050.

Onderzoeker met veiligheidsbril bekijkt preparaat

Environmental radioactivity in the Netherlands : Results in 2017

RIVM reports annually on the level of radioactivity that occurs under normal circumstances in the environment and food.

Health effects due to titanium nanoparticles in food and toothpaste cannot be excluded

Health effects due to exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles via food, food supplements and toothpaste cannot be excluded.

Tool for risk assessment of nanomaterials in cosmetics

Both regulators and manufacturers need to evaluate and manage consumer health risks that may be posed by the use of nanomaterials in cosmetics.

Nanotechnology increasingly used in medical devices

The application of nanotechnology to design and produce medical devices is increasing. RIVM provides an overview of nanotechnology enabled medical devices.

Cost-effective risk assessment of nanomaterials may be feasible

Companies, authorities and scientists can save time, money and test animals in the risk assessment of nanomaterials by using available data.