Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mol,_Belgium
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Translation Google
A woman contracts tick-borne encephalitis after a bite in Mol: "This remains rare in Belgium"
A woman contracted tick-borne encephalitis after being bitten by the small parasite in Postel, in the municipality of Mol (Antwerp), the Flemish Agency for Care and Health announced Wednesday, confirming a report by local television station RTV. The agency urges the public to take the necessary precautions to avoid tick bites. "However, tick-borne encephalitis remains very rare in our country. Only a few cases have been recorded this year," stated spokesperson Joris Moonens of the Agency for Care and Health.
Anne François , Belga
Published:
5 hours ago
The Flemish Agency for Care and Health was informed of this infection because tick-borne encephalitis is a notifiable disease. This condition occurs after the bite of a tick infected with the tick-borne encephalitis virus. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle and joint pain. In more severe cases, the disease can lead to meningitis.
The woman who contracted the disease in Postel (Mol) reportedly presented with mild symptoms initially. As these persisted, further tests were carried out, revealing the infection.
Four cases since the beginning of 2026
This is the fourth case of infection in Flanders this year, according to agency spokesperson Joris Moonens. Last year, a total of three cases were reported. Most infections occur in the spring and summer. Such transmission "remains a sporadic phenomenon" in our region, Moonens emphasized.
The Agency emphasizes that people who have spent time outdoors should always check their bodies for ticks or tick bites. If bitten, it is also recommended to monitor the affected area and pay attention to one's overall health. In addition to tick-borne encephalitis, these parasites can also transmit Lyme disease.
Although a vaccine against tick-borne encephalitis exists, it is primarily intended for people who, by virtue of their profession, are frequently in contact with nature or animals.
https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/fr/2026/0...une-encephalite-a-tiques-apres-une-piqure-a/