This page shows an overview of recent reports about international infectious diseases

16 July, 2026 | Legionella

Legionella in New York

In early July, an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease (legionella pneumonia) was reported in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York. So far, there are 64 patients, 53 of whom have been hospitalized. The investigation is focusing on cooling towers as a possible source. Of 180 cooling towers tested, 76 were positive for Legionella. Most of these towers have now been cleaned, and the number of new patients is decreasing. No Dutch patients have been reported.

For guidance on actions to take and more information on preventing legionella infection, you can visit RIVM | Legionella.


16 July, 2026 | Cyclosporiasis

Cyclosporiasis in the USA

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report a clear increase in cyclosporiasis in the United States. Between May 1 and July 15, 2026, 1,645 people with a confirmed Cyclospora infection have been reported, 141 of whom have been hospitalized. In addition, over 5,000 reports are still under investigation. A notably high number of patients have been reported in Michigan. The source of the outbreak is still unknown and is under investigation: one suspicion is lettuce from a particular supplier. This supplier is currently no longer delivering lettuce; no specific food product or supplier has yet been identified.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People usually become infected by eating contaminated vegetables, fruit, or herbs, or by drinking contaminated water. The main symptom is severe watery diarrhea. In the Netherlands, cyclosporiasis occurs mainly in people who have visited (sub)tropical areas. Do you have prolonged diarrhea after staying in the United States or (sub)tropical countries? Then contact your general practitioner.


16 July, 2026 | Ebola

Bundibugyo in DR Congo and Uganda
 

Current information about Ebola


13 July, 2026 | Polio

Child in the Netherlands with acute flaccid paralysis due to non-polio-enterovirus
 

Current information about polio


13 July, 2026 | Salmonella
Re-examination of Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak 

Current information on Salmonella


6 July, 2026 | Marburg

Marburg Virus Infection Confirmed in Uganda

Current information about Marburg Virus Infection


6 July, 2026 | Dermatophilosis

Between March and June, 3 people in the Netherlands were diagnosed with skin infections caused bythe bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis. There are also a few other people with symptoms that may be related to this infection.

Current information about Dermatophilosis



24 June, 2026 | Ebola

Ebola confirmed in healthcare worker in France: risk of spread in Europe remains very small

Current information about Ebola


19 June, 2026 | Dermatophilus congolensis

Skin infections caused by Dermatophilus congolensis in several European countries

The European Health Organisation ECDC has published a rapid risk assessment on reports of skin infections with Dermatophilus congolensis from several European countries. In this report, the ECDC concludes that the risk of this bacterium is small for the population. This is due to a small possibility of spreading and the mild symptoms if someone does become infected with this pathogen.

Source: ECDC


18 June, 2026 | Hantavirus

Almost all passengers and crew of the cruise ship MV Hondius ended their quarantine today, 18 June 2026. They were quarantined for 42 days, either at home or at a facility in the Netherlands.

Current information about hantavirus


11 June, 2026 | Ebola

On 8 June, the Ministry of Health in the DRC reported a total of 550 confirmed cases of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus (up to and including 7 June). Of these cases, 101 people have died from the disease. 

Current information about Ebola


8 June, 2026 | Dermatophilus congolensis

Dermatophilus congolensis skin infections in France and Spain

In France and Spain, several skin infections caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis were reported between December 2025 and March 2026. The infections occurred in men having sex with men.

The Dermatophilus bacterium can cause the disease dermatophilosis. Dermatophilosis is a zoonosis. This means that the disease occurs in animals and is sometimes transmitted from animals to humans. This type of infection is rare. The fact that the bacterium can also be transmitted from human to human by direct (sexual) physical contact had not been described before. 

The symptoms in people infected with dermatophilosis are usually mild. A skin rash develops, such as bumps, blisters and scabs. The infection can be treated effectively with antibiotics.

Dermatophilosis is not a notifiable disease in the Netherlands. It is therefore difficult to say whether it also occurs in the Netherlands and whether sexual transmission takes place. So far, data from medical laboratories have provided no indication of problematic spread.


4 June, 2026 | Tick bites

Since the Whitsun weekend, the number of tick bite reports has risen significantly. 

Curren information about tick bites (in Dutch)


3 June, 2026 | Ebola

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, many people are still sick with Ebola. The virus causing this Ebola outbreak is called Bundibugyo Ebola virus.

Current information about Ebola


3 June, 2026 | Measles

Since the previous update (20 April 2026), RIVM has received 4 new reports of measles. The number of reports for 2026 has now gone up to 8.

Current information about measles


Deze informatie in het Nederlands

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