Rabid puppy-dog imported into the Netherlands from Morocco via Spain, February 2012.

In February 2012 a rabid puppy dog was imported into Amsterdam, the Netherlands from Morocco via Spain. In a joint action between the Netherlands’ Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, the Public Health Service of Amsterdam and the Centre for Infectious Disease Control all exposed human and animal contacts were traced and, when necessary, provided with post-exposure prophylaxis. During the importation, the international legislations with respect to vaccination requirements were not fully obeyed by veterinarians and custom services.

Prevention of perinatal hepatitis B virus transmission in the Netherlands, 2003-2007: children of Chinese mothers are at increased risk of breakthrough infection.

Background: In the Netherlands, different hepatitis B vaccination schedules have been used for children born to HBV-infected mothers. All schedules included a birth dose of hepatitis B immunoglobuline (HBIg). We assessed determinants of perinatal HBV transmission and determinants of anti-HBs titers in infants born to HBsAg positive mothers.

Occupational exposure to bloodborne viruses in the Amsterdam police force, 2000-2003.

Objectives: To assess and evaluate the rate and outcome of occupational exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the Amsterdam police force.

Methods: Retrospectively, all accidents with risk for viral transmission reported to the Municipal Health Service between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2003 were described and analyzed in 2004.

Results: Over a 4-year period, 112 exposures with a viral transmission risk were reported (the estimated exposure rate was 68/10,000/year).

Much gained by integrating contact tracing and vaccination in the hepatitis B antenatal screening program in Amsterdam, 1992-1999.

Background/aims: Hepatitis B control in Europe concentrates on antenatal screening to reduce vertical transmission. To reduce horizontal transmission and the pool of infectious individuals, the Municipal Health Service of Amsterdam integrated tracing and immunising of contacts in the antenatal screening program.

Methods: An eight year (1992-1999) descriptive study of this public health program, where contacts are tested for serological markers of previous infection, and vaccination is offered to susceptible contacts.

Evaluation of the hepatitis B antenatal screening and neonatal immunization program in Amsterdam, 1993-1998.

In the enhanced antenatal hepatitis B screening and neonatal immunization program in Amsterdam, 691 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive expectant mothers were reported in the period 1993-1998. The coverage of the screening was calculated at 97%. HBsAg-prevalence was high in women from Ghana and South-East Asia, and lowest in Dutch women.