Mosquitoes infected with diseases that can have a negative effect on your health are extremely uncommon in the Netherlands. The late summer of 2020 marked the first time the West Nile virus was found in a person who had contracted the virus in the Netherlands. You are much more likely to be infected with a mosquito-borne disease in other countries – generally warmer countries.
West Nile fever
West Nile fever is caused by the West Nile virus, which can be found in birds and is transmitted by mosquitoes. The virus can also be transmitted to humans and certain other mammals, such as horses.
Read more about West Nile fever / West Nile virus
Dengue fever (breakbone fever)
Dengue fever (also known as breakbone fever) is an infectious disease caused by a virus. This virus is endemic to tropical and subtropical regions and is transmitted by mosquitoes. Dengue fever is reasonably common in people who have visited countries where the disease is endemic.
Read more about dengue fever.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya is an infectious disease caused by a virus. This virus is endemic to tropical and subtropical regions and is transmitted by mosquitoes that bite during the day.
Read more about chikungunya
Malaria
Malaria is a disease caused by parasites. These parasites may enter your body when you are being bitten by a mosquito. Malaria causes fever, headache, chills and muscle ache. Malaria is seen regularly in the Netherlands, in people who have contracted the disease in the tropics or subtropics.
Read more about malaria
Zika
The Zika virus is spread in tropical and subtropical regions by yellow fever mosquitoes, also known as dengue mosquitoes. This species is not native to the Netherlands.
Read more about the Zika virus