Grey heron infected with West Nile virus A grey heron in the Noord-Holland-Noord region has tested positive for the West Nile virus. The virus is rare in the Netherlands. Bas van de Meulengraaf
PFAS levels in drinking water from river water need to be brought down The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) advises to reduce PFAS concentrations in the drinking water in parts of the Netherlands in the coming years. This concerns drinking water produced from river water.
Less greenhouse gas emissions across the supply chain: survey for policy development The Dutch Climate Agreement contains measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Netherlands. Many products used in the Netherlands are manufactured abroad.
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.
Circular economy: more opportunities for reuse of slightly radioactive substances The manufacturing of steel and pigments involves the generation of millions of kilos of slightly radioactive residues. In addition, more and more of these substances will continue to be generated in the rapidly growing sector of geothermal energy.
First vaccination figures for autumn round of COVID-19 repeat vaccination From this week on, RIVM will start posting updates on vaccination figures for the autumn round of the repeat vaccination against COVID-19. The autumn round started last week, on 19 September 2022.
Repeat vaccination against COVID-19: risk groups first, then everyone 12 and up The first invitations for a repeat vaccination against COVID-19 will be received by people in the Netherlands on 13 September 2022. RIVM will invite the oldest people first, and will then send an invitation to everyone aged 60 years and older.
Reminders for booster jab and repeat vaccination against COVID-19 Adults who have not yet had a booster jab or repeat vaccination against COVID-19 will receive a reminder letter from RIVM, starting Friday 8 July 2022.
COVID-19 vaccination figures more up-to-date due to optimised monitoring RIVM has been publishing national and regional figures on COVID-19 vaccination in the Netherlands every week since 19 January 2021.
From 1 June 2022, heel prick test also screens for muscle disease SMA, bringing number of screened diseases to 26 From 1 June 2022, the heel prick test for Dutch newborns will also screen for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is a serious hereditary muscle condition. Detecting this disease at an early stage enables early treatment.