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
RIVM involvement in UN/EU missions RIVM-experts from the Environmental Assessment Unit (EAU) have undertaken two missions involving an emergency situation in the Solomon Islands and an environmental assessment in Georgia.
Clinical condition Dutch MERS patients improving The two patients who were diagnosed last week with the MERS coronavirus are now on the mend.
The MERS-coronavirus in the Netherlands As of 13 May 2014, RIVM and Erasmus MC have diagnosed the MERS coronavirus in two Dutch people. The patients are related and were infected during a joint journey to Saudi Arabia.
New assessment framework for leachate water from landfill sites RIVM and ECN have developed an innovative assessment framework for testing the environmental effects on soil and groundwater of leachate water from sustainable landfill sites.
HFC greenhouse gases accumulate in refrigerators and air conditioners Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are potent greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners and are released primarily at the end of the life-span of these products.
RIVM participating in European Joint Action on Chronic Diseases The coming year RIVM is going to be collecting good examples of interventions for the prevention of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.