RIVM European Reference Lab for vector-borne infections The European Commission (EC) has designated RIVM as the current European Reference Lab (EURL) for vector-borne viral pathogens.
Vulnerable groups hit hardest by COVID-19 pandemic A new RIVM study has shown that the COVID-19 pandemic intensified existing socio-economic differences. People on lower incomes visited test lanes less often during the pandemic, but were admitted to hospital and intensive care with COVID-19 more often.
New Zoonoses Report out now: avian flu most notable outbreak in 2022 Throughout 2022, the Netherlands faced a persistent avian flu outbreak, affecting 76 poultry farms. The virus also infected numerous wild birds and various wild mammals. These findings are presented in the Zoonoses Report, an annual publication issued jointly by RIVM and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).
More attention needs to be paid to the safe recycling of waste According to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) there needs to be a greater (international) focus on, and increased awareness of, the safe recycling of waste.
Long COVID also possible after a mild case: interim research results More than 95% of the 1,741 participants in RIVM’s LongCOVID study, who reported long-term symptoms after COVID-19, had mild symptoms during the acute phase of the infection.
Number of positive COVID-19 tests doubled in one week In the past week from 30 June to 6 July 2021, the number of reported positive COVID-19 tests doubled (+103%) compared to the previous week. This increase was observed in all security regions.