The most well-known disease that can be caused by a tick bite is Lyme disease. Wageningen University conducts research on tick bites, focusing particularly on the (percentage of) infected tick bites and ticks. As for the recent past, we can say that the percentage of ticks infected with the Borrelia bacterium (the bacterium that, among other things, causes Lyme disease) in the first half of 2010 was comparable to the high percentage of previous years. The long-term average of Borrelia infections in ticks, measured from July 2006 to June 2010, is 15.1 percent. However, tick densities and infection percentages vary greatly. The differences in tick density and the differences regarding the infection percentage between locations are greater than the density differences and percentage differences between the months measured.

Research by the RIVM

The RIVM has determined that the number of people infected with Lyme disease increased significantly between 1994 and 2009 (https://www.tekenradar.nl/ziekte-van-lyme/lyme-in-nederland). A reassuring thought is that not every tick is infected with the bacterium that causes this disease. On average, 15 to 20% of all ticks carry the bacterium. Locally, these percentages can, however, vary widely. Meanwhile, this percentage is very high compared to the European average. In Europe, on average, 10% of ticks are infected with the bacterium that can cause Lyme disease.

Symptoms indicating a tick-borne disease

The evidence that you are infected with a tick-borne disease can be seen in the round ring that forms around the tick bite. Further symptoms may include fever and muscle pain. If you catch it in time, Lyme disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics. However, it is better to prevent tick bites and infection with this and other tick-borne diseases.

How can I prevent a tick-borne disease?

You can prevent a tick-borne disease by being well-prepared and wearing protective, tick-repelling clothing from Rovince. Further, we recommend regularly consulting the site Tekenradar.nl. Here you will find, among other things, a map with a ten-day forecast of tick activity levels. Another map indicates per municipality where the most Lyme disease cases per 100,000 inhabitants occur.

Tick-borne Lyme disease

Research by the RIVM

Symptoms indicating a tick-borne disease

How can I prevent a tick-borne disease?