Respiratory infections now in season More and more people are coughing and sneezing, although it is not an epidemic at this point. The season in which respiratory infections circulate in the Netherlands has now started. There are various viruses that can cause respiratory infections.
Metabolic disorder ALD added to newborn blood spot screening Since 1 October, the metabolic disorder adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) has been added to the Dutch newborn blood spot screening. From now on, the blood of newborn boys will also be tested for this disorder. ALD in boys can be treated if it is detected in time.
RSV summer peak possibly caused by declining antibodies during COVID-19 pandemic RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common virus that causes cold symptoms. In particularly, young children and vulnerable older people are more likely to become seriously ill if they get it.
High rates of RSV in children over the summer, and a late flu epidemic in the 2021-2022 season Hospitals reported an unusually large number of children presenting with RSV over the summer of 2021. The number of positive coronavirus tests rapidly increased after the summer of 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.
New WHO Collaborating Centre hosted by RIVM combines laboratory preparedness and biorisk RIVM has been designated WHO Collaborating Centre for Laboratory Preparedness and Response for High Threat Pathogens and Biorisk by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Better monitoring of RSV thanks to new European project RIVM and Nivel contribute to building a European RSV monitoring network. Through the network, European health institutions and laboratories will exchange data on the spread of RSV. This will help us to better monitor the virus.
A guide for the safe reuse of diaper and incontinence materials RIVM has developed a step-by-step plan for the safe reuse of diapers and incontinence material. This plan provides recyclers and licensing authorities with tools to carry out a risk assessment.
Antimicrobial resistance in the Netherlands is remaining reasonably stable Antimicrobial resistance is increasing on a global level. It is difficult to treat infections caused by resistant bacteria.
Slightly fewer adult smokers In 2018, 22.4 per cent of the Dutch adult population indicated they were occasional smokers.