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.
Increase in STI consultations in 2023, rise in gonorrhoea cases persists The number of consultations for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at Sexual Health Centres (SHCs) was higher in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year. Notably, the number of gonorrhoea cases continues to rise.
New Zoonoses Report out now: avian flu most notable outbreak in 2022 Throughout 2022, the Netherlands faced a persistent avian flu outbreak, affecting 76 poultry farms. The virus also infected numerous wild birds and various wild mammals. These findings are presented in the Zoonoses Report, an annual publication issued jointly by RIVM and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).
Not yet fully vaccinated against HPV? Do not postpone any longer! Time is running out for those who have not yet had the HPV vaccine, but do want to get it.
More STIs diagnosed in 2022, most significant increase in gonorrhoea More people got tested for an STI at Sexual Health Centres (SHCs) in 2022 than in 2021. There were a total of 164,715 consultations at SHCs. The percentage of people found to have an STI (21%) was also higher than in 2021.
Last chance for young adults to get vaccinated against HPV for free Today sees the launch of the ‘Do not miss out’ campaign, which calls on young people to get the first dose of the vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV) as soon as possible.
Breast implants can cause health problems even five years or more after placement Over the past 5 years, the Dutch reporting and expertise centre for adverse effects of medical implants (MEBI) has received 977 reports of health problems related to breast implants. An analysis by RIVM has shown that 39% of the reported health problems started 5 or more years after the implant’s placement.
No indication that investigated mesh implants used to treat pelvic organ prolapse are unsafe RIVM has conducted a laboratory study into six mesh implants from different manufacturers used in the Netherlands in 2018. The study revealed no indication that these products are unsafe for patients.
Municipal Public Health Services once again conduct more STI consultations than before COVID-19 The number of STI consultations at the Sexual Health Centres of the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs) was 19% higher in 2022 compared to 2021.
Drop in and get vaccinated without an appointment on HPV Awareness Day Saturday 4 March is HPV Awareness Day. It is a day to stop and think about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the six kinds of cancer it can cause. These cancers affect both men and women.