News | RIVM

More attention needed for potential impact of drug waste on drinking water quality

Drug waste contains substances that are harmful to the quality of drinking water. Because this waste is dumped illegally, these substances can end up in sources of drinking water.

Updated immunisation recommendation for measles: early vaccination before travel

A number of European countries are currently seeing outbreaks of measles. Before the start of the summer season, RIVM has therefore updated its immunisation recommendation for measles.

Discussion regarding health-based guidance value of PFOA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a provisional health-based guidance value for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

Risk of measles outbreaks increases with decreasing vaccination coverage

Vaccination coverage for vaccinations in the Dutch National Vaccination Program (NIP) decreased slightly by about half a percent for the third consecutive year.

Integrated approach reduces harmful effects of medicines in surface waters

Residues of medicinal products, such as painkillers, hormones and antidepressants, are increasingly detected in surface water and drinking water.

Measles epidemic and Salmonella outbreak cost nearly six million euros

The most recent measles epidemic and outbreak of Salmonella Thomson due to smoked salmon have cost 3.9 and 1.7 million euros, respectively.

Broad approach needed against pharmaceutical residues in environment

We can all help to reduce pollution of the environment by pharmaceutical residues.

No more complementary vaccinations against measles for children aged six months

The measles epidemic, the first case of which occurred in the Netherlands in May 2013, is coming to an end.

Teenage girl dies after measles infection

Last weekend, a 17-year-old girl from the province of Zeeland (The Netherlands) has died of complications after a measles infection. She was not vaccinated against the disease.

Extra measles vaccinations for risk groups

Some areas of the Netherlands where families for religious reasons chose not to get their babies vaccinated are now reporting cases of measles, and it is expected that the number of cases will incr