ROTTERDAM, 17 November 2025 – Resistant bacteria, viruses and fungi are changing how infections are treated, but people in Rotterdam can do a lot to protect themselves and others. A new set of practical tips launched during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week shows how small choices in daily life can make a real difference.
Image: Stefanie Buenrostro from Rotterdam became seriously ill due to the dangerous resistant fungus Aspergillus fumigatus
Rotterdam residents take charge of infection risks
Across the world, more people are living with infections that are harder to treat with standard medicines. In the Netherlands, tens of thousands are admitted to hospital each year with infectious diseases and more than 4,000 people died from such infections in 2024. These figures underline why prevention, awareness and early care remain important in a large city such as Rotterdam.
During World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, WAAW) from 18 to 24 November, Samenwerking Infectieziekten is presenting a new Infection Checklist (Infectie Checklist). The checklist has been developed as a practical guide, helping people translate a complex medical topic into clear, everyday actions at home, at work and while travelling.
Stories behind the statistics
Personal stories show why alertness matters. Rotterdam resident Stefanie Buenrostro, 26, became seriously ill after infection with a resistant strain of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. Her illness required intensive treatment and illustrates how a hidden fungus can suddenly become a serious health threat, especially when medication works less well.
Similar experiences are seen elsewhere in the country. Journalist Rinke van den Brink from Amsterdam developed an abdominal infection and sepsis after a burst appendix, while the young daughter of Marieke Teunissen from Etten-Leur lost consciousness following a severe meningococcal infection at the age of four. In each case, cooperation between families and medical teams was crucial, showing that rapid recognition and treatment can change the outcome.
Five simple habits to lower your risk
The Infection Checklist boils the message down to five simple habits that anyone in Rotterdam can adopt. Instead of long instructions, it focuses on small steps that together reduce the chance of infection and slow down resistance. The core ideas are:
- Think one step ahead
Germs adapt quickly, so our behaviour needs to keep up. Use antibiotics only when prescribed, follow the instructions carefully and finish the full course. Avoid keeping or sharing leftover tablets. - Protect people around you
Babies, pregnant women, people with chronic illness and older adults are more vulnerable. Postpone visits if you have flu-like symptoms, work from home when you can and consider recommended vaccinations, thinking also about the people you might indirectly protect. - Talk about infection risks
If someone coughs into the open air in a crowded space or comes to work while clearly ill, it is reasonable to say something. Addressing behaviour in a calm and respectful way can prevent infections from spreading through families, classrooms or workplaces. - Travel with extra care
Trips abroad often mean new germs and sometimes resistant bacteria. Check travel advice and vaccination guidance, drink safe water, wash your hands regularly and avoid undercooked food. Even within Europe, ticks and mosquitoes can transmit infections such as meningitis or dengue. - Scan your surroundings
Look critically at your home and workplace. Notice mould on walls, think about exposure in jobs with a lot of close contact, and be aware of nearby farms or greenhouses where animal diseases or pesticides are present. Where possible, reduce or avoid these risks, or discuss them with your employer, landlord or GP.
Rotterdam and politics look ahead
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is a global campaign of the World Health Organization that highlights antimicrobial resistance (antimicrobiële resistentie, AMR). In the Netherlands, the theme connects laboratories, hospitals and GP surgeries with everyday life in cities such as Rotterdam, where residents, schools and employers all have a role.
Samenwerking Infectieziekten welcomes the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2024–2030, but also argues for concrete steps and funding. The initiative of medical specialists, patients and Samenwerkende Gezondheidsfondsen works on prevention, diagnostics, treatment, public information and research, and encourages cooperation between professionals, patients and policymakers. With the new tips, people in Rotterdam are invited to see infection safety as something they can influence themselves, starting with small daily habits.
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