How can you contract FSME?

Ticks live in green areas with a lot of forests and bushes, such as parks, forests, and nature reserves. They attach themselves to human skin and are sometimes infected with a virus. They can transmit this virus to humans when they bite. So if you are bitten by a tick that is infected with FSME, there is a good chance that you will contract this disease. You can also contract FSME after drinking unpasteurized milk.

Where is FSME found?

FSME, also known as tick-borne encephalitis, does not occur in the Netherlands. We generally only encounter ticks that transmit Lyme disease. FSME is a virus that does spread in all other areas of Europe, except for the Benelux and Northern Scandinavia. In most other countries around the world, ticks can be found that are infected with FSME.

What are the consequences of FSME?

In most cases, FSME does not cause severe symptoms. Most people experience flu-like symptoms and fever. A small portion of infected individuals may develop a serious brain infection following these symptoms. This can include fever, headache, neck pain, and vomiting. The chance of dying from FSME is negligible.

Treatment for FSME

Since there is no treatment available for FSME, it is important to protect yourself well against ticks. Therefore, wear tick-repellent clothing in areas where ticks are prevalent and/or get vaccinated against this disease. A vaccination for FSME is available.

View our anti-tick collection

What is FSME

How can you contract FSME?

Where is FSME found?

What are the consequences of FSME?

Treatment for FSME