RIVM European Reference Lab for vector-borne infections The European Commission (EC) has designated RIVM as the current European Reference Lab (EURL) for vector-borne viral pathogens.
Menno de Jong appointed director of RIVM Centre for Infectious Disease Control Starting 1 May 2024, Professor Menno de Jong will take on the role of director of RIVM’s Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb) . He succeeds Jaap van Dissel, who is retiring in April 2024.
Many serious cases of whooping cough among newborn babies in the Netherlands The number of newborn babies in the Netherlands who are seriously ill due to whooping cough has been increasingly rapidly in recent weeks. About 110 confirmed cases of whooping cough are now being diagnosed every week among children in the Netherlands, including nearly 20 infants.
Pneumonia increase likely caused by multiple viruses and bacteria More patients with pneumonia visited their GP from August 2023 on than in previous years. The rise in cases of pneumonia among children, adolescents and young adults aged 5–25 years is particularly notable.
Respiratory infections widespread, even more important to follow recommendations The number of people in the Netherlands with respiratory symptoms continues to increase. Besides COVID-19 and rhinovirus, the number of people who have flu is also increasing. We are also seeing more and more people with pneumonia. Some of these cases are caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Respiratory infections now in season More and more people are coughing and sneezing, although it is not an epidemic at this point. The season in which respiratory infections circulate in the Netherlands has now started. There are various viruses that can cause respiratory infections.
Vaccination coverage increases for second consecutive year, by 10% for HPV The percentage of children receiving vaccinations from the National Immunisation Programme rose again last year. Another striking note is the 10% increase in HPV vaccination, rising to 63%.
Report on the developments of the National Immunisation Programme: national immunisation coverage increased slightly for the first time in five years National immunisation coverage has increased for the first time in five years, for almost all vaccinations. For children born in 2017, vaccination coverage against mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) increased by 0.7% to 93.6%.
A pregnant woman can protect her baby against whooping cough with 22-week vaccination From 16 December 2019, pregnant women in the Netherlands will be offered the 22-week vaccination. With this vaccination, a pregnant woman protects her child and herself against whooping cough.