Novel coronavirus continues to spread unabated The number of reported cases of COVID-19 continues to rise in all regions and in all age groups. The Municipal Public Health Service (GGD) reported that 43,903 people tested positive for COVID-19 in the past week.
Initial results of rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 very promising Two antigen tests for rapid diagnosis of COVID-19, which detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus proteins within 15 minutes after testing, show very promising initial results.
Reports continue to rise The number of reports continues to rise in all regions and in all age groups. Last week, in the week of 30 September, 27,485 new people who tested positive for COVID-19 were reported by the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs).
Risk assessment method for gene drives RIVM and partner organisations from England, Germany and Belgium have developed a method to assess the risks of gene drives in laboratories.
Dutch health similar to health in neighbouring countries The health of the Dutch population is broadly in line with that of our neighbours.
Director-general André van der Zande receives Royal honours On Thursday, June 28th, our departing director-general André van der Zande received a Royal decoration from the Dutch Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, Hugo de Jonge.
Antibiotics are often used correctly, but improvements are still possible General practitioners in the Netherlands are prescribing antibiotics less frequently. No drop has been observed in hospitals.
Frequently used cancer medicines do not harm plants and animals in water Most cytostatics (medication for chemotherapy), tumor specific immunotherapy and hormone therapy don’t harm plants and animals in surface water.
Vaccination rate again drops slightly, HPV vaccination rate drops considerably The vaccination rate for vaccines included in the National Immunisation Programme has dropped slightly by about 1 percent.
More people are tested for STIs The number of people who have been tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) went up in 2017. This is the case both at the Sexual Health Centres and at the General Practitioner.