More unhealthy behaviour among young people; their health remains vulnerable Fewer young people aged 12 to 16 are positive about their health than in previous years. In addition, their mental health has not recovered after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Approach needed to tackle polluting activities to protect drinking water sources In the Netherlands, we derive our drinking water from two sources: groundwater and river water. In many areas, the quality of this water is not adequate. The measures taken to improve the quality have yet to yield significant direct effects.
RIVM recommends a standardised design for e-cigarettes to reduce e-cigarette appeal Features like a sleek design, technical add-ons such as Bluetooth, and ease of concealment are examples that make e-cigarettes attractive to young people, according to research by RIVM. That is why RIVM recommends policymakers to consider implementing a standardised design for e-cigarettes
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.
Menno de Jong appointed director of RIVM Centre for Infectious Disease Control Starting 1 May 2024, Professor Menno de Jong will take on the role of director of RIVM’s Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb) . He succeeds Jaap van Dissel, who is retiring in April 2024.
Start of rotavirus vaccinations This week saw the start of babies being vaccinated against the rotavirus. This vaccination is included in the Dutch National Immunisation Programme as of this year. All parents of babies born on or after 1 January 2024 will receive an invitation for this.
Protection against rotavirus included in National Immunisation Programme from 2024 From 2024, rotavirus vaccination will be included in the National Immunisation Programme (NIP). Rotavirus can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration in babies, in some cases requiring them to be hospitalised.
Gastrointestinal symptoms on the rise, but still fewer than before the COVID-19 pandemic In 2022, the number of enteric infections – which mainly cause gastrointestinal symptoms – was higher than it was in the previous two years. However, the total number of infections was still lower than before the coronavirus pandemic.
RIVM creates risk assessment toolbox to assess local groundwater quality RIVM has developed the Groundwater Risk Assessment Toolbox. This risk assessment toolbox allows local authorities to quickly determine whether a specific groundwater application is safe. They can then take action if necessary.
Smokers inhale more tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide when measured with WHO method RIVM has measured the amount of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide (TNCO) in all filter cigarettes sold in the Netherlands with the WHO Intense method.