UK holidaymakers are being alerted about a potentially lethal disease after insects were spotted at two popular Spanish destinations. Tiger mosquitoes have been found on both the islands of Mallorca and Minorca, leading officials to deploy helicopters to spray pesticides in an attempt to eradicate them. Originally from Asia, these mosquitoes are now proliferating in Spain and are known carriers of diseases such as dengue fever. They feed throughout the day and can transmit infections to humans through their bites. These aggressive mosquitoes are easily distinguishable from other species due to their distinctive stripes. They are carriers of yellow fever and dengue, as well as Zika, which can lead to birth defects. Their bites are more painful than those of European mosquitoes and can result in severe swelling, scarring, and in some instances, infection. The Mallorca Daily Bulletin reports that tiger mosquitoes are spreading across the Balearics, with measures already taken in Palma, Mallorca. A region in neighbouring Minorca has issued a warning about the presence of these mosquitoes, urging people to report any sightings, reports the Liverpool Echo. There is concern that changing climate conditions are facilitating the spread of these mosquitoes, as increased heat and humidity allow them to thrive further north in Europe. Experts have warned that the upcoming Olympics in Paris could see diseases spread by these mosquitoes. Severe dengue fever can lead to internal bleeding and damage to organs. It can cause blood pressure to plummet to perilous levels, resulting in shock. In extreme cases, severe dengue fever can be fatal. Women who contract dengue fever during pregnancy may transmit the virus to their baby during childbirth. The common symptoms associated with dengue:
- Mild to Moderate Dengue
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- High Fever: Sudden onset of high fever (104°F or 40°C).
- Severe Headache: Intense pain in the forehead.
- Pain Behind the Eyes: Pain in the back of the eyes, also known as retro-orbital pain.
- Joint and Muscle Pain: Severe muscle and joint pain, often referred to as “breakbone fever.”
- Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling nauseous and vomiting.
- Rash: A maculopapular or petechial rash that appears a few days after the fever starts.
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and fatigue.
- Mild Bleeding: Such as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or easy bruising.
- Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever/Dengue Shock Syndrome)
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- Severe Abdominal Pain: Intense stomach pain.
- Persistent Vomiting: Frequent and severe vomiting.
- Bleeding: Severe bleeding from the nose, gums, or under the skin, which may appear as bruises.
- Difficulty Breathing: Due to fluid accumulation in the chest.
- Blood in Stools or Vomit: Presence of blood in vomit or stools.
- Pale, Cold, or Clammy Skin: Indicating circulatory collapse.
- Rapid Decline in Platelet Count: Leading to increased risk of bleeding.
- Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS): Characterized by severe hypotension, leading to shock, organ failure, and potentially death.
The critical phase often occurs around the time when the fever starts to subside, which is typically 3-7 days after the initial onset of symptoms. It is during this phase that the risk of severe complications, such as plasma leakage, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, and severe bleeding, increases.
