2023-07-01 14:15:21
Ticks can not only transmit Lyme disease but also cause meningitis, according to pharmacist Sander van den Bogert. He advises individuals to inquire about the risks of a certain area before going into nature on holiday, both at home and abroad.
Van den Bogert explains that tick-borne encephalitis is meningitis that can be contracted through a bite from a tick infected with the TBE virus. Unlike Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis cannot be prevented by removing ticks at night. It is a serious disease that can require hospitalization for a long time and may lead to neurological sequelae. In rare cases, it can even be fatal, although this only occurs in 1 to 2 percent of people bitten by an infected tick.
The risk of tick-borne encephalitis in the Netherlands is low. The tick has been reported in specific areas, such as the Sallandse Heuvelrug. The GGD has been tracking infections in the country since 2016 and has recorded a total of sixteen cases of tick-borne encephalitis between 2016 and 2022. The exact locations of the reported cases can be found on the RIVM website.
Vaccination offers around 95 percent protection against tick-borne encephalitis. It consists of three vaccines within approximately six months, and regular administration of a new vaccine is required to maintain protection. However, vaccination must be prescribed by a doctor and is not covered by basic insurance. The cost of a full series of vaccinations is around 150 euros, and side effects may include fever, headache, fatigue, and pain at the injection site.
In conclusion, if individuals are planning to visit an area with a high risk of tick-borne encephalitis and spend a lot of time outdoors, vaccination may be advisable. This advice applies not only to the Netherlands but also to other countries. It is recommended to gather information about the risk level of the specific area if planning to spend hours in nature every day.
Readers who have questions for experts can email them to [email protected].
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