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
Blood spot test extended as of 1 January 2017 to include two more disorders As of 1 January 2017, the disorders alpha and beta thalassaemia will be added to the neonatal blood spot (‘heel prick’) screening programme.
Guus Velders in Nature's "Ten people that mattered this year" Researcher Dr Guus Velders of RIVM has made the Nature top-10 list of 2016. This means that, according to Nature, he was one of the 10 most influential scientists in 2016.
Playing sports on synthetic turf fields with rubber granulate is safe New research by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) shows it is safe for people to play sports on synthetic turf fields with an infill of rubber granulate.
New version ReCiPe 2016 to determine environmental impact RIVM presents ReCiPe 2016 a new version of the in Europe commonly used life cycle impact model ReCiPe.
Slight increase in number of TB patients in 2015 After many years of decrease, the number of tuberculosis patients in the Netherlands rose again in 2015 by 6 percent.
No scientific evidence for effect front-of-pack labels Front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labels can inform consumers about healthier products.
Leptospirosis cases continue to rise In 2015, the previously reported increase in the number of people with leptospirosis (Weil’s disease being its most common form) is continuing.