Sustained avian flu outbreak is the most remarkable outbreak in 2021 discussed in Zoonoses Report The outbreak of the H5N1 variant of avian flu was the most remarkable outbreak in 2021. In October of that year, the Netherlands experienced the start of the biggest outbreak of avian flu since 2003.
Dozens more ambulances to be needed in 2023 In 2023, the Netherlands will need dozens of additional ambulances to properly meet the demand for ambulance care. RIVM has calculated that a total of 692 ambulances will be needed during daytime hours on working days.
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
Rapid developments in modern biotechnology are a challenge for risk assessment Due to developments in modern biotechnology, such as genome editing, synthetic biology and regulation of gene expression, many new applications are expected in the next ten years.
Bacteriophages: insufficient understanding of phage treatment of human infections Bacteriophages are viruses that can kill bacteria. The question is whether bacteriophages can be used to treat infections in humans.
National Action Plan for sexual health The Dutch National Action Plan for STI, HIV and sexual health describes the most important goals for the next five years.
Greenhouse gas emissions slightly down in 2017 Despite the growth of the economy, greenhouse gas emissions in the Netherlands in 2017 were1 percent lower than in the previous year.
Addictive nicotine and harmful substances also present in heated tobacco Heated tobacco products are newly available on the market. An example of such a product is the heatstick which is heated with an iQOS, a device that looks like an e-cigarette.
Continued high effectiveness of vaccines against Hib disease A recent study by RIVM and AMC shows that the effectiveness of vaccination against Hib is still high.
RIVM withdraws from tobacco committees The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment will leave the NEN/CEN/ISO committees for tobacco and e-cigarettes with immediate effect.