Since March 1, doctors must report every patient with tick-borne encephalitis who has neurological complaints to the GGD Municipal Health Service (Municipal Health Service). Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is transmitted by ticks and can cause meningitis. The disease is still rare in the Netherlands. In several other European countries, however, there are increasingly more infections. The reporting obligation helps to better monitor the spread of TBE in the Netherlands.
What is TBE?
TBE tick-borne encephalitis (tick-borne encephalitis), or tick-borne encephalitis, is a disease caused by a virus. This virus is transmitted through the bite of a tick that carries the virus. Most people do not experience symptoms from the virus, or have mild symptoms such as fever and muscle pain. In rare cases, the virus can cause encephalitis or meningitis. This can lead to severe and permanent damage. There is no medicine against TBE.
The chance of serious illness from the TBE virus is very small. Since 2016, about 2 to 5 people with TBE have been reported in the Netherlands each year.
What does reportable mean?
A reportable infectious disease is a disease that can pose a risk to public health. If a doctor or laboratory identifies an infection, they must report it to the GGD Municipal Health Service (Municipal Health Service). The GGD can then take measures to protect others. The GGD also reports their notifications to the RIVM. This way, the RIVM can better monitor the spread of a disease.
Why is TBE now reportable?
With the reporting obligation, the RIVM aims to get a more complete picture of the number of people who get TBE. And to find out if there are risk areas for TBE in the Netherlands. TBE has been present for some time in other countries such as Sweden, Germany, and Austria. In 2016, the virus was first found in a patient in the Netherlands.
How can you protect yourself against TBE?
Most people are not at risk for TBE. But if you often go into green areas, for example as a walker, camper, or while gardening, you can protect yourself. Use a tick repellent and wear clothing that covers the skin. Check your body for ticks after visiting nature or if you have worked in the garden.
If you work in green areas and are regularly bitten by ticks? Or if you visit nature in a country where TBE occurs more often (external link) than in the Netherlands? Then you can get vaccinated. Your employer and/or a GGD or vaccination office can advise you on this.
What can you do yourself in case of a tick bite?
Always check your body for tick bites after being outdoors. In the weeks following a tick bite, watch for symptoms such as fever, joint pain, or muscle pain. This can be a signal of TBE or Lyme disease. Then contact your doctor and mention that you have had a tick bite. This way, your doctor can take the right steps.