Lyme disease

Lyme disease is contracted through the bite of an infected tick and is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Approximately 1 in 5 ticks carry this bacterium and acquire it when sucking blood from an infected animal. When the tick then bites a human, this bacterium can be transmitted. Approximately 1.5 million people in the Netherlands are bitten by a tick each year, of whom approximately 27,000 develop Lyme disease.

Where does Lyme disease occur?

Ticks are primarily found in forests, but are also present in dunes, meadows, parks, and even backyards. You can contract Lyme disease in Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and North America.

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?

Within three months of a tick bite, you may notice the following symptoms:

• Ring-shaped, red discoloration of the skin that gradually enlarges (erythema migrans). Sometimes this discoloration can also be blue, purple, or pink. This ring develops around the site of the tick bite.
• Muscle and joint pain.
• Fever.

How do you prevent Lyme disease?

There is no vaccine against Lyme disease. Prevention is therefore the best advice:

• Cover your skin with clothing.
• Use insect repellent.
• Check your skin for tick bites after spending time outdoors.

If you do get bit by a tick, remove it as soon as possible with tick tweezers or a tick card. Monitor the bite site for at least 3 months. If the tick has been attached to your skin for 24 hours or longer, or if you develop a fever in the weeks following the tick bite, contact your doctor. In that case, antibiotics may be useful to prevent Lyme disease. The sooner you act, the greater the chance of successful treatment.

More information

Want more information about ticks? Consult the information pages of the RIVM or the LCR.