Politics · Netherlands · 2 days ago
Dutch cabinet apologizes to Q fever patients for years of inadequate support
Health Minister Sophie Hermans apologized on behalf of the Dutch cabinet to Q fever patients at a meeting in Den Bosch, in the Netherlands.
The epidemic began about 20 years ago and infected tens of thousands of people in North Brabant, where infected goat farms were identified as the source.
Many patients later became chronically ill, and about 2,000 are still ill today.
The apology focused on people being disbelieved and passed between services without a reliable support system.
Accounts differ on whether the apology also covered the government’s response during the epidemic itself.
Researchers say patients still face uneven local support, difficulty getting disability benefits and limited medical care.
They urge the government to improve coordination and invest in specialist services, medical knowledge and long-term research.
Health minister Sophie Hermans apologized on behalf of the Dutch government to Q fever patients who lacked support for years.
The apology came nearly 20 years after the start of the country’s largest Q fever epidemic.
The government acknowledged that support was inadequate during and after the 2007–2010 epidemic.
About 2,000 people remain chronically ill, and many have lost their jobs.
Researchers say patients have faced poor coordination, limited recognition and insufficient medical support.
- Who
- Health minister Sophie Hermans apologized on behalf of the Dutch government to Q fever patients.
- What
- The government apologized for inadequate support for people who became ill with Q fever.
- When
- Friday, October 9, 2026.
- Where
- At a meeting in the provincial government building in Den Bosch, the Netherlands.
- Why
- Patients lacked a good social safety net and were often sent between agencies without receiving adequate help.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Als je niet wordt geloofd, steeds opnieuw jouw verhaal moet vertellen en van het kastje naar de muur wordt gestuurd, dan is dat verschrikkelijk. En daar bied ik mijn excuses voor aan
Het gevoel dat je er alleen voor staat. Daar bied ik mijn excuses voor aan
The Q fever epidemic took place.
The National Ombudsman issued an earlier report on support for Q fever patients.
The National Ombudsman issued another report on support for Q fever patients.
The National Ombudsman issued a further report on support for Q fever patients.
Health minister Sophie Hermans apologized on behalf of the government to Q fever patients.
- Epidemic
- 2007–2010
- Chronically ill patients
- About 2,000
- Meeting location
- Provincial government building in Den Bosch
- Minister
- Sophie Hermans
- Earlier ombudsman reports
- 2012, 2017 and 2024
Sources
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