Dutch Health Minister apologizes to Q-fever victims

Dutch Minister of Health Sophie Hermans has issued a formal apology on behalf of the cabinet to victims of the Q-fever outbreak that occurred between 2007 and 2010. Speaking at a symposium in Den Bosch, Hermans expressed heartfelt regret that the government failed to provide necessary care and support, noting that patients were often forced to repeatedly retell their stories without being heard.

The outbreak, caused by infected goats on farms primarily in North Brabant and Limburg, infected tens of thousands of people and resulted in over one hundred deaths. Even today, approximately 1,500 individuals suffer from long-term symptoms such as severe fatigue and exhaustion.

To address these issues, the cabinet has allocated a one-time sum of 2.5 million euros to improve the quality of life and well-being of Q-fever patients. Additionally, there are calls from regional authorities for the establishment of a specialized expertise center in North Brabant, potentially at Bernhoven Hospital in Uden, to provide centralized care and reduce travel times for affected residents.