Health Tips
New infectious diseases in the Netherlands as the climate changes
New infectious diseases in the Netherlands as the climate changes
Dengue sounds tropical. In European Netherlands it still is: a disease travellers bring home. In May 2026 the Health Council still warned: climate change is making conditions here more favourable for diseases spread by mosquitoes, ticks and water.
RIVM is more cautious. Climate is one factor. Trade, travel and how we live often matter more. A new mosquito in the Netherlands is not automatically the fault of a warmer summer.
This is information, not medical advice.
Dengue: imported now, possibly local later
Dengue spreads through the yellow fever mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito. WHO estimates hundreds of millions of infections a year worldwide. Fever, muscle pain, sometimes severe bleeding.
According to RIVM's LCI guideline, dengue in European Netherlands is an imported disease. No local infection has been confirmed so far. Positive tests in returning travellers did rise: on average 136 a year in 2014–2019, 367 in 2023 and 544 in 2024.
In the Caribbean Netherlands dengue does occur. RIVM reports several dozen cases a year and larger outbreaks in 2023–2024. The Health Council gives those islands priority, because the risks there are greater and more diverse.
Southern Europe already has local dengue. ECDC tracks cases in France, Italy, Spain and Croatia, among others. In 2026, through early August, only France had reported a locally acquired dengue case on the European mainland.
Dengue vaccines exist. In the Netherlands they are for travellers, not for the whole population. Ask LCR or a travel clinic.
The tiger mosquito: control buys time
The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) can transmit dengue, chikungunya and Zika. It is well established around the Mediterranean. Not yet in the Netherlands, thanks to control by the Ministry of Health and NVWA.
RIVM is clear: more findings in the Netherlands come mainly from trade and travel, not from climate change. If the mosquito does become established, climate does matter. At higher summer temperatures, viruses multiply faster in mosquitoes.
The Health Council expects establishment at some locations within 2 to 5 years. After that, local dengue outbreaks can follow if a viraemic traveller brings the virus in.
In August 2026 NVWA published DNA research: the mosquito arrives through several independent introductions, including used tyres and airports. At some sites it survived the winter. Control can still wipe out a population.
What is already here?
Not everything is future tense.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Since 2016 we know Dutch ticks can carry the virus, including on the Sallandse and Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Between 2016 and June 2024, 23 patients acquired the infection in the Netherlands. In 2024 there were 8 reports. Since 1 March 2025, TBE with neurological symptoms is notifiable. About 1 in 1,500 ticks in known areas carries the virus. For Lyme that is about 1 in 5. RIVM says: no TBE vaccine is needed for living in the Netherlands. Yes for travel to countries where TBE is common.
West Nile fever. In 2020, 8 people in the Netherlands acquired the virus, mainly around Utrecht, via the common house mosquito. The virus sits in birds. The Health Council says warmer summers favour transmission. The risk for most people stays small.
Lyme. Still the most common tick-borne disease here. More ticks in milder weather increase contact, the Health Council notes.
Water. Dutch coastal waters have become more suitable for Vibrio. Warmer surface water also helps Legionella and blue-green algae.
Chikungunya and Zika follow the same mosquito story as dengue: mainly a travel risk now, possibly local later if the tiger mosquito stays.
What can you do?
- Travelling to areas with dengue or TBE: ask in time whether vaccination makes sense.
- In the Netherlands: check for ticks after time in green space, reduce evening mosquito bites, see a doctor if you get fever after a tropical trip — and say where you were.
Write down vaccinations and travel shots. With Vaxy you can see whether dengue or TBE is already in your record before you leave.
This article is information, not medical advice.
Short answers
Is dengue already here? In European Netherlands only in travellers. Yes in the Caribbean Netherlands. Local transmission already exists in southern Europe.
Will the tiger mosquito settle? Not yet, because of control. The Health Council expects that at some sites within 2 to 5 years.
Which diseases are already here? TBE since 2016, West Nile in people in 2020, Lyme for longer. Warmer water: Vibrio and Legionella.
Should I get a dengue or TBE vaccine here? Usually not for living in European Netherlands. Sometimes yes for certain trips. Ask LCR, your GP or GGD.
Sources
- RIVM: climate change and infectious diseases
- RIVM: dengue
- LCI guideline on dengue
- RIVM: West Nile fever
- RIVM: tick-borne encephalitis
- Health Council of the Netherlands: climate change and health, 21 May 2026
- ECDC: dengue risk, EU/EEA
- WHO: dengue
- NVWA: DNA study of the Asian tiger mosquito, 20 August 2026
- LCR: vaccination information
