The rules for the compulsory notification of infectious
diseases in the Netherlands will change as of 1 December 2008. Apart from
the treating physicians and the managers of institutions housing vulnerable
persons, in future, laboratory managers will also have to report infectious
diseases to the Municipal Health Services (GGD). The number of notifiable
diseases has also been increased from 36 to 42. The government needs the
reports in order to take prevention and control measures.
In response, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
(RIVM) has documented the background of the new Act including the
information on compulsory notification. In addition, an overview is given
of the characteristics of each notifiable disease and the purpose of the
compulsory notification is illustrated by using examples taken from daily
practice. The above changes result from legislation changes of the
Infectious Diseases Act 1998 that will be incorporated into the Public
Health Act as from 1 December 2008.
The reports will be made to the GGD who will pass on the anonymous data to
the Centre for Infectious Disease Control at the RIVM. The GGD uses this
information in order to take prevention and control measures, to detect a
source of infection (for example, in food) or for contact management
purposes - to find someone who may have been in contact with a sick or
infected person. A further reason behind notification is that preventive
drugs and hygiene advice can be given where appropriate. Also, additional
diagnostic testing can be requested and outbreaks can be reported. The
information is used for surveillance purposes by the RIVM and for monitoring
the efficacy of vaccinations. In rare cases, where there is a risk that the
disease may spread at international level, the RIVM will inform the WHO of
the situation.
