BRITS going on holiday to Spain are being warned about a major increase in ticks as the heatwave pushes temperatures above 40C.
All residents and visitors are advised to take extreme precautions against the blood-sucking pests amid the warm weather.
AlamyPeople in Spain should cover up to protect themselves from tick bites, experts warn[/caption]
The National Association of Environmental Health Companies (ANECPLA) said that populations of the arachnid “will multiply exponentially” in certain areas across the country.
“Ticks are becoming one of the most dangerous pests in Spanish territory,” a spokesperson said.
The summery spell will affect a good chunk of the peninsula this week, accelerating the biological cycle of ticks and making them reproduce faster, they added.
The insects can transmit potentially fatal diseases such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), Lyme disease and encephalitis, which can lead to killer meningitis.
Jorge Galván, general director of ANECPLA, said: “Climate change, with its progressive increase in temperatures, is not only extending the reproductive season of these arthropods – spring starts earlier and autumn ends later each time – but it is also accelerating their metabolism so they are reproduced more times in a longer period of time.”
There are six species of tick in Spain, but the two of particular concern are Hyalomma and Ixodes, according to ANECPLA.
Both suck the blood of their victims slowly over several days while passing saliva back into the host.
Mr Galván said the former is the main transmitting vector of CCHF, while the latter is involved in the spread of a variety of pathogens, including encephalitis and the bacterium Borrelia, which causes Lyme disease.
CCHF, which causes sufferers’ eyes to bleed, kills up to 40 per cent of infected people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
It typically begins with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, muscle aches and light sensitivity, but can result in organ failure and internal bleeding.
Lyme disease, characterised by a “bull’s eye” rash, is normally easy to treat with antibiotics if diagnosed early, but some people experience quite severe symptoms.
If left untreated, it can affect other areas of the body, including the central nervous system and heart.
This can result in heart palpitations, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain and lightheadedness.
Cases of Lyme disease have doubled in Europe in the past 20 years.
In February, experts estimated there to be around 1,000 infections. The current number could be higher as temperatures climb to the mid-40s.
ANECPLA is advising people in Spain to take precautions, particularly when visiting the countryside, city parks, gardens and beaches.
Ticks are usually found in tall grass in natural environments such as fields, parks and coastlines, where they wait for an animal or human host to feed on.
ANECPLA said the best ways to avoid tick bites and subsequent health complications is to:
Wear light-coloured clothing so the presence of ticks can be easily noticedCover up as much as possible – wear long trousers tucked into socks, long sleeves, a cap and an undershirtEnsure pets have an anti-parasitic treatmentUse a suitable repellentWalk through the centre of the trails, avoiding the edges where tall grass is usually foundAvoid touching cattle and/or wild animalsCheck for the possible presence of ticks on people and pets several times during and at the end of the walk (paying special attention to parts of the body where the skin is thinner and where blood flow is usually greater, such as the groin, armpits, head, the back of the ears, elbows, knees, etc.)
How to avoid tick bites and remove a tick safely
THERE are a few things you can do to lessen your likelihood of tick bites.
Firstly, try to cover as much of your skin as possible while walking outdoors and tuck your trousers into your socks.
You should also be using insect repellent containing DEET on your clothes and skin, and wearing light coloured clothing so you can spot a tick easily.
Also stick to paths where possible when you’re out walking.
But if you are bitten, you must remove a tick safely.
Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool. You can buy these from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops.
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick. Dispose of it when you have removed it.
Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water.
The chance of getting ill is low. You do not need to do anything else unless you notice a rash or become unwell.
If either of these happen, make sure to see a GP so you can get treatment as soon a possible.
Source: NHS