Since 1 September, pregnant women in the Netherlands can have an early ultrasound scan to detect physical abnormalities in their unborn child: the 13-week scan.

During World Antibiotic Awareness Week 2019, RIVM has set up an escape room in one of busiest shopping malls in the Netherlands.

Antimicrobial resistance is increasing on a global level. It is difficult to treat infections caused by resistant bacteria.

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).

Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem. In the Netherlands, some bacteria that can cause infections in people are more frequently resistant to antibiotics used as a last resort.

Wednesday, 18 November is European Antibiotic Awareness Day. On this day, attention throughout Europe is requested for the responsible use of antibiotics in people and animals.

The World Health Organization (WHO) published its first CAESAR annual report 2014.

Over recent years, antibiotic resistance to most agents has remained stable in the Netherlands, and the use of antibiotics has slightly decreased.

AMR is one of the major global challenges in infectious disease control.