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.
Eating less salt can prevent tens of thousands of heart attacks and strokes Lowering the amount of salt in processed foods or choosing low-salt alternatives can lead to substantial health benefits when it comes to cardiovascular disease.
Flu season in the winter of 2014 / 2015 more severe and longer than preceding years The flu epidemic in the winter of 2014 / 2015 lasted 21 weeks and as such was the longest epidemic ever recorded in the Netherlands. Nearly two million people suffered from flu-like symptoms.
Virus RNA can help to prevent the spread of infection Using information about the RNA (genetic material) of a virus in reconstructing an outbreak can help to map the extent of the outbreak, the infection source and the way in which the virus is transm
Warning labels on chicken products are well read and highly valued A warning label on the packaging of raw chicken products may result in improved kitchen hygiene among one quarter of the population.
Large differences in childhood obesity in Europe The percentage of overweight (including obesity) among 6-9-year-old children differs between European countries, ranging from 18 to 57%. Percentages are highest in southern European countries.
Chikungunya infections in the Caribbean region Since August 2014, there has been an increase in the number of Chikungunya patients in the Caribbean region. Travellers who visit the region can become infected there.
Dr. Els van Schie new director of Environment and Safety Dr. Els van Schie has been appointed RIVM Director of Environment and Safety as from 1 February 2015. She will succeed Dr. Marcel van Raaij and interim director Dr.