New test for Lyme disease is not reliable To determine whether someone has Lyme disease, doctors in the Netherlands often use antibody tests. For some time now, so-called cellular tests have been available on the market.
Many more infections, limited increase in hospital admissions In the past week, the number of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in the Netherlands increased by 64% compared to the week before that.
Current knowledge on microplastics in the soil is still inadequate A literature review carried out by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has concluded that reliable standard techniques should be developed to analyse microplastics in the soil.
New crisis response organisation at RIVM to control future pandemics The cabinet has agreed to the proposal of Ernst Kuipers, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, to set up a National Functionality for Infectious Disease Control (LFI).
Flu vaccination also available for pregnant women as of this autumn Every year, people aged 60+ and people with certain medical conditions can get the free flu vaccination. On the recommendation of the Health Council of the Netherlands, the free flu vaccination will now also be made available to pregnant women.
State Secretary Blokhuis: boys will also be vaccinated against HPV virus The vaccine against the HPV human papillomavirus virus will also become available for boys.
A guide for the safe reuse of diaper and incontinence materials RIVM has developed a step-by-step plan for the safe reuse of diapers and incontinence material. This plan provides recyclers and licensing authorities with tools to carry out a risk assessment.
New data on greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions Greenhouse gas emissions have fallen slightly; ammonia emissions remain stable.
Humans themselves are the most important source of ESBL Antibiotic Resistance Human to human transfer is the main source of ESBL (Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase) antibiotic resistance, according to researchers from the ESBLAT research consortium, of which RIVM is a member.
Medication may affect diagnostic tests The use of medication may affect diagnostic tests. This may distort the results of those tests.