News | RIVM

Last winter’s flu epidemic was short and mild. And then COVID-19 arrived.

The flu epidemic in the winter of 2019/2020 was mild and lasted only 5 weeks.

De griepepidemie in de winter van 2019/2020 was mild en duurde slechts 5 weken.

More reports of adverse effects of implants in 2019

In 2019, the Dutch reporting centre for adverse effects of medical implants (MEBI) received 397 reports of suspected adverse effects. The reports concerned 462 implants.

Mesh implants intended to treat pelvic organ prolapse

Synthetic mesh are used to treat patients with pelvic organ prolapse.

Can you solve a medical mystery?

During World Antibiotic Awareness Week 2019, RIVM has set up an escape room in one of busiest shopping malls in the Netherlands.

Mild 2018-2019 influenza epidemic

The annual influenza epidemic in the winter of 2018-2019 was less severe than the year before. Approximately 400,000 people have had the flu.

Summary International Expert Meeting on breast implant-associated lymphoma

On November 19th 2018, RIVM organised an international expert meeting on a rare type of lymphoma that is associated with breast implants.

Influenza-like Illness Incidence Is Not Reduced by Influenza Vaccination

Influenza vaccination reduces the number of influenza virus infections but not the overall number of illness.

Moderate flu season

Last winter season, the duration and severity of the influenza epidemic was moderate compared to previous years.

Bacteria slightly more often resistant to last resort antibiotics

Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem. In the Netherlands, some bacteria that can cause infections in people are more frequently resistant to antibiotics used as a last resort.

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.