Reactor shut down will cause global medical isotope shortage Shutting down the current Dutch reactor which produces medical isotopes, without replacing it, puts the world’s supply of medical radio-isotopes at risk.
National Heat Plan no longer in effect as of July 29th As of Monday, 29 July, the National Heat Plan is no longer in effect. The Heat Plan had been active from July 23rd until July 28th. Never before has it been as hot as last week in the Netherlands.
Tick found in Drenthe is a Hyalomma tick RIVM has investigated the so-called giant tick that was found in Odoorn in the province of Drenthe on 13 July. It is a Hyalomma marginatum female.
National Heat Plan active throughout the Netherlands It is forecasted to be exceptionally hot over the coming days. Temperatures will rise to tropical levels. This can lead to problems for people with vulnerable health.
Risk of measles outbreaks increases with decreasing vaccination coverage Vaccination coverage for vaccinations in the Dutch National Vaccination Program (NIP) decreased slightly by about half a percent for the third consecutive year.
Alertness about the Zika virus still needed for pregnant women Since May 2015, there has been a Zika virus outbreak in South and Central America, including the Caribbean. The Zika virus can cause birth defects, including microcephaly (small head size).
More gonorrhoea, syphilis and chlamydia at Dutch STI clinics An increasing number of clients tested at a Dutch STI clinic for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is diagnosed with gonorrhoea, syphilis and chlamydia.
RIVM recommends hepatitis A vaccination for gay men There is a large international outbreak currently of hepatitis A, mostly among gay and bisexual men. In several European countries more than 1,000 patients have been reported.
Pneumonia occurs more often near livestock farms People who live near poultry farms and goat farms suffer from pneumonia more often. In the area surveyed, every year about 1650 people per 100,000 residents get pneumonia.
National Heat Plan active The National Heat Plan became active in the Netherlands on June 19th. This means that it is necessary to take preventive health measures for vulnerable groups.