News | RIVM

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.

Possible health risks due to exposure to chromium-6 at tROM project Tilburg

Research by RIVM shows that the participants in the so-called tROM project, their supervisors and other people involved may have been exposed to chromium-6.

Blood spot test extended as of 1 January 2017 to include two more disorders

As of 1 January 2017, the disorders alpha and beta thalassaemia will be added to the neonatal blood spot (‘heel prick’) screening programme.

Newborn heel prick screening starts on St Eustatius and Saba

On 26 October 2015, heel prick screening started for all newborns on St Eustatius and Saba.

No new MERS patients in the Netherlands

Almost two months ago, two Dutch people were diagnosed with the MERS coronavirus.

International study finds MERS coronavirus in raw dromedary camel milk

Milk from dromedary camels infected with the MERS coronavirus may contain the virus, and consuming this raw milk may thus pose a risk to public health.

Clinical condition Dutch MERS patients improving

The two patients who were diagnosed last week with the MERS coronavirus are now on the mend.

The MERS-coronavirus in the Netherlands

As of 13 May 2014, RIVM and Erasmus MC have diagnosed the MERS coronavirus in two Dutch people. The patients are related and were infected during a joint journey to Saudi Arabia.

Signs of MERS coronavirus found in dromedary camels

Researchers searching for signs of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in different livestock animals have found antibodies specific to the new virus in dromedary camels.