Dangerous disease warning as insects found in Spanish holiday resorts

UK holidaymakers are being warned about a possibly deadly disease after insects were found at two popular spots in Spain. Tiger mosquitos have been discovered on both islands of Mallorca and Minorca, and officials are now dumping pesticide from helicopters in an effort to kill them.

The mosquitos, native to Asia, are now spreading in Spain, and can carry diseases such as dengue fever. They feed throughout the day and can pass on infections to humans when they bite.

The aggressive mosquitos are easy to tell apart from other species thanks to their stripes. They carry yellow fever and dengue as well as Zika, which can cause birth defects. Their bites are more painful than the European mosquito's and can cause severe swelling, scarring, and in some cases infection.

The Mallorca Daily Bulletin says tiger mosquitos are spreading across the Balearics, with Mallorca having already taken action in Palma. A region of neighbouring Minorca has issued a warning of the presence of the mosquito. People are being urged to report sightings.

There are fears the mosquitos are spreading because of changing climate conditions, which allow them to live further north in Europe thanks to increased heat and humidity. Experts have warned the Olympics in Paris could see disease spread by the mosquitos.

Severe dengue fever can cause internal bleeding and organ damage. Blood pressure can drop to dangerous levels, causing shock. In some cases, severe dengue fever can lead to death. Women who get dengue fever during pregnancy may be able to spread the virus to the baby during childbirth.

Common symptoms associated with dengue:

Mild to Moderate Dengue

1. High Fever: Sudden onset of high fever (104°F or 40°C).

2. Severe Headache: Intense pain in the forehead.

3. Pain Behind the Eyes: Pain in the back of the eyes, also known as retro-orbital pain.

4. Joint and Muscle Pain: Severe muscle and joint pain, often referred to as "breakbone fever."

5. Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling nauseous and vomiting.

6. Rash: A maculopapular or petechial rash that appears a few days after the fever starts.

7. Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and fatigue.

8. Mild Bleeding: Such as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or easy bruising.

Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever/Dengue Shock Syndrome)

Severe dengue can lead to more serious symptoms and complications, including:

1. Severe Abdominal Pain: Intense stomach pain.

2. Persistent Vomiting: Frequent and severe vomiting.

3. Bleeding: Severe bleeding from the nose, gums, or under the skin, which may appear as bruises.

4. Difficulty Breathing: Due to fluid accumulation in the chest.

5. Blood in Stools or Vomit: Presence of blood in vomit or stools.

6. Pale, Cold, or Clammy Skin: Indicating circulatory collapse.

7. Rapid Decline in Platelet Count: Leading to increased risk of bleeding.

8. Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS): Characterized by severe hypotension, leading to shock, organ failure, and potentially death.

Critical Phase

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.