Municipal Public Health Services once again conduct more STI consultations than before COVID-19 The number of STI consultations at the Sexual Health Centres of the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs) was 19% higher in 2022 compared to 2021.
From 1 October 2023, heel prick test also screens for metabolic disorder ALD From 1 October 2023, the blood of newborn babies will also be tested for the metabolic disorder adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). This is done with the heel prick screening test.
Large amounts of PAHs and metals found again in IJmond in autumn 2022 In autumn 2022, RIVM once again found high levels of PAHs and metals in coarse dust particles deposited in the area around Tata Steel.
Number of tuberculosis patients in the Netherlands decreased slightly in 2022 compared to 2021 The number of people with tuberculosis (TB) in the Netherlands decreased slightly in 2022. In 2022, there were 635 TB patients in the Netherlands. This is six per cent fewer than in 2021, when there were 673 patients.
NIPT available as standard option for all pregnant women from 1 April From 1 April 2023, the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) will be available to all pregnant women. They do not have to take part in a scientific study for this.
More attention needed for potential impact of drug waste on drinking water quality Drug waste contains substances that are harmful to the quality of drinking water. Because this waste is dumped illegally, these substances can end up in sources of drinking water.
Annual report ‘Tuberculosis in the Netherlands’ for 2021: slight increase in number of TB patients In 2021, the number of tuberculosis (TB) patients in the Netherlands rose slightly compared to the preceding year: up to 680 TB patients from 622 in 2020. However, the 2021 number was lower than the number for 2019 (754 patients).
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.
Cancer screening programmes now more accessible to transgender and intersex persons Since October 2022, is it has become easier for transgender and intersex persons to take part in cervical cancer screening and breast cancer screening. Transgender and intersex persons with a uterus and/or breast tissue can register with Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland.
Campylobacter most common pathogen found in dairy cattle A study conducted at 185 dairy farms found the Campylobacter bacterium at 91% of those farms. Out of the pathogens that were studied, this type of bacteria is the most common in dairy cattle.