Netherlands issues health and recreation guidance for outdoor visitors

Public health experts warn that more than one million Dutch experience tick bites each year, with the risk of Lyme disease and the less common but potentially serious tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) slowly increasing across the Netherlands and Europe. Ticks are active from March to October once temperatures rise above 7 °C. Prompt removal with fine tweezers, a tick‑removal tool or a specialised card and monitoring of the bite site are advised. Information on prevention is available from the RIVM and other tick‑awareness platforms.

The municipality of Waalre also reminds visitors to respect nature in its forests, heathlands and streams. Access is limited to sunrise‑to‑sunset, visitors should stay on designated paths, keep dogs on leashes, avoid open fires and motorised traffic, and take litter home. Walking or cycling is encouraged to minimise environmental impact and protect wildlife.

Together, the guidance aims to reduce health risks from ticks and preserve the integrity of natural areas for future generations.