News | RIVM

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.

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.

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.

BA.2.75 variant found in the Netherlands

The BA.2.75 variant of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has now also been found in the Netherlands. The variant was detected in a sample from 26 June 2022 taken in the region of Noordoost-Gelderland.

Beeld van het nieuwe coronavirus in kleur

SARS-CoV-2 infections continue to rise

Infections with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in the Netherlands continued to rise this week. This increase can be seen in sewage surveillance and in the infections reported to the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs).

Upward trend in infections continues

Infections with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in the Netherlands have increased for the third week in a row. The number of patients admitted to hospital nursing wards remained the same this week.

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.

Even after COVID-19 crisis, social isolation continues

Even after most coronavirus measures have been discontinued, some people are still living in social isolation to avoid COVID-19 exposure.

Tailor-made information will help immigrants make decisions on taking part in screening programmes

Immigrants are relatively less likely to take part in preventive screening programmes, such as cancer screening. This is partly due to the language barrier and a lack of knowledge, according to a doctoral thesis by Nora Hamdiui.

Decrease in SARS-CoV-2 hospital admissions, fewer people tested

1,214 patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection were admitted to hospital in the Netherlands in the past week*, a decrease of 12% compared to the week before that.