Publish date: July 24, 2020
In the east of the country, there are currently several spots with ticks that are infected with the dangerous TBE virus. The first infections in humans have also been detected. The Gelderlander warns walkers and cyclists to be extra alert in Twente, the Sallandse Heuvelrug and the Achterhoek.
TBE virus in the east
Since 2016, in addition to ticks that cause Lyme disease, there have also been ticks in the Netherlands that transmit the TBE virus. Fortunately, the number of infections among people is still low, but in the east of the country there are now several places where the virus occurs. Both the ticks themselves and the wild animals that live there. A map of the RIVM, with an overview of the spread of the virus, shows that the Sallandse Heuvelrug contains the most infected ticks and wild animals. Several finds of the virus in animals have also been made in Twente and the Achterhoek.
Infections among people
According to the RIVM, the chance of an infection is very small, because relatively few ticks have been infected with the virus. But alertness is required. Recently 3 people have contracted a serious form of the disease on the Sallandse Heuvelrug. Twente and the Achterhoek each have 1 TBE patient. Fortunately, a bite from an infected tick does not always lead to symptoms of illness, but those who are unlucky can become deathly ill. Initially, the symptoms resemble flu, but in phase 2 of the disease, the brain, meninges and spinal cord can become inflamed. The chance of survival is high, but patients can suffer from complaints of damage to the nervous system throughout their lives. The TBE virus also appears to be more contagious than the bacterium borrelia Lyme disease causes. The virus can be transmitted immediately after the bite. It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor if complaints occur after a tick bite and to keep a close eye on the course. In an earlier article explains Dr. Ted what to do after a tick bite.
Drawing radar
The number of tick bites has increased by about 30 percent to 1.5 million a year in 10 years. Look for the current state of the number of ticks (bites) on Tekenradar.nl from RIVM and Wageningen University and the drawing app van Nature Today.
Also read: RIVM starts research into TBE tick virus.
And check out tips to avoid a tick bite.
(Source: De Gelderlander, ANP, archive)
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