Tick-borne Encephalitis (Netherlands)

17 Mar 2017

A case of endemic tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) occurred in June 2016 in the Netherlands and was likley due to transmission in the Sallandse heuvelrug area. In 2016 another case of TBE was reported from the Utrecht area.

Advice for Travellers

This is the second recorded case of TBE in the Netherlands.

All travellers should be made aware of outdoor activities increasing tick exposure, e.g. walking, camping, cycling in forested areas in tick season and given advice on avoiding tick bites, prompt removal of ticks and use of appropriate clothing i.e. trousers tucked into socks.

Vaccination may be considered for travellers during the tick season (spring- early autumn) who plan outdoor activities in forested areas, and those planning to reside long term or work (whereby the nature or work increases risk of exposure to ticks) in endemic areas.