Low Risk of Tick-Borne Diseases After Tick Bites in the Netherlands
Author Information
Author(s): Tijsse-Klasen Ellen, Jacobs Jac J, Swart Arno, Fonville Manoj, Reimerink Johan H, Brandenburg Afke H, van der Giessen Joke WB, Hofhuis Agnetha, Sprong Hein
Primary Institution: National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
Hypothesis
What is the risk of developing symptoms from tick bites in the Netherlands?
Conclusion
The risk of contracting acute Lyme borreliosis or other tick-borne diseases from a single tick bite is less than 1%.
Supporting Evidence
- 16% of collected ticks were positive for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l.
- 8.3% of participants reported reddening at the bite site.
- 4.1% reported systemic symptoms.
- Attachment duration of ticks was positively associated with symptoms.
Takeaway
If a tick bites you, the chance of getting sick is really low, especially if you take it off quickly.
Methodology
Ticks were collected from participants who consulted a GP for tick bites, tested for pathogens, and participants were interviewed about symptoms after six months.
Potential Biases
Participants lost to follow-up may have introduced bias in symptom reporting.
Limitations
The study only tested for DNA of microorganisms in ticks, which does not confirm the presence of viable pathogens.
Participant Demographics
Participants included residents and tourists on the island of Ameland, with only 20% being residents.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.009
Confidence Interval
12.1-20.5%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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