Health

A KLM flight attendant has been cleared of hantavirus following a negative test result confirmed by the World Health Organisation. The crew member had been hospitalised with mild symptoms after having "intensive contact" with a passenger in Johannesburg who later died from the virus. While the negative result offers some relief, health authorities continue to monitor 388 passengers from the flight, warning that the virus has a long incubation period of up to six weeks.

The outdoor swimming season officially launches this Friday, 1 May, though the warm weather brings dozens of immediate safety warnings across the country’s 950 official sites. While 94% of locations have maintained high water quality standards recently, two spots in Gelderland are currently under total bans, and roughly 40 others have issued alerts for blue-green algae or pollution. Authorities urge swimmers to check official updates before diving in, as entering flagged waters can lead to skin irritation or stomach upsets, and swimming always remains at the individual's own risk.

Germany will introduce a tax on sugary beverages in 2028 to fight obesity and fund healthcare initiatives. The decision follows a significant political shift and mirrors similar financial measures being planned in the Netherlands.

The Dutch government has reversed a controversial plan to cut social security outreach services, which would have saved €30 million by reducing efforts to help eligible citizens claim their benefits. Following intense criticism from the National Ombudsman and several political parties, Minister Thierry Aartsen abandoned the cuts to ensure vulnerable people do not fall below the subsistence minimum. To compensate for the financial shortfall, the government will instead lower the income threshold for child budget payments starting in 2027, meaning higher-earning parents will receive less support.

Catharina Hospital has earned official recognition as a specialist centre for treating strokes in younger adults. By focusing on the unique causes of strokes in younger patients, the hospital aims to provide better long-term recovery and prevent future occurrences. The specialist team offers tailored support to help patients navigate the significant impact a stroke has on their work and family life.

The NVWA is warning consumers about five libido‑enhancing products that contain undeclared pharmaceutical substances. The authority says the products can cause serious side effects and may be dangerous for people who use heart medication. It urges anyone with symptoms to seek medical advice and avoid the products.

Philips has advised hospitals to discontinue using specific nebulizer attachments with Trilogy series ventilators due to a malfunction risk. This alert follows three complaints, including one instance of minor injury, involving the devices.

Planned heart surgeries and examinations may be delayed due to a safety recall of a common medical component. While emergency services remain fully operational, dozens of hospitals are managing a shortage of equipment used in cardiac treatments.