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

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.

Almost half of 9 and 10-year-olds get HPV vaccination at first opportunity

This spring, more than 800,000 young people received an invitation to be vaccinated against HPV, the human papillomavirus.

From 1 June 2022, heel prick test also screens for muscle disease SMA, bringing number of screened diseases to 26

From 1 June 2022, the heel prick test for Dutch newborns will also screen for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is a serious hereditary muscle condition. Detecting this disease at an early stage enables early treatment.

Tailor-made information will help immigrants make decisions on taking part in screening programmes

Immigrants are relatively less likely to take part in preventive screening programmes, such as cancer screening. This is partly due to the language barrier and a lack of knowledge, according to a doctoral thesis by Nora Hamdiui.

RIVM expands HPV vaccination programme: girls and boys protected from six types of cancer with one vaccine

Now not only girls, but also boys will have the opportunity to protect themselves from cancer caused by HPV.

Jongen en meisjes poseren op een kruk voor campagneposter HPV vaccin

Breast cancer screening resumes on Bonaire after COVID-19 hiatus

Women aged 50 to 75 years on Bonaire can participate in the breast cancer screening programme again as of Wednesday, May 26, 2021. This was temporarily halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Population screening programmes temporarily on hold

Due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the health care capacity in the Netherlands is expected to come under severe pressure in the coming period.

State Secretary Blokhuis: boys will also be vaccinated against HPV virus

The vaccine against the HPV human papillomavirus virus will also become available for boys.

Research: HPV vaccine is safe

RIVM research shows no causal link between the vaccine against cervical cancer (HPV) and long-term fatigue symptoms in girls.