Health officials in popular Spanish island Ibiza have cautioned visitors to look out for dengue fever signs.
Between May and November of last year, there were a number of cases of the nasty virus spread by mosquitoes on the Balearic Island.
This summer, there is a “moderate” chance that it will infect tourists, according to health officials.
What signs should you be on the lookout for, and how can you defend yourself?
How many visitors to the Spanish island of Ibiza last year contracted dengue fever?
Mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus are the primary carrier of dengue disease. Mosquitoes flourish in hot, humid climates, which are where the disease is most prevalent.
It cannot be transmitted from person to person because it is not infectious. A individual with the virus, however, can infect mosquitoes, which then spread it further.
Between May and November of the previous year, six German visitors contracted the virus in Ibiza. In August 2022, the virus infected a 27-year-old lady, her partner, and their 13-month-old daughter. In the same town in October 2022, a 37-year-old lady, her partner, and their nine-year-old son are thought to have come into contact with the virus.
The risk of contracting the virus is currently low, but will rise to moderate over the summer.
“One of the potential vectors of dengue is the Aedes albopictus mosquito, present throughout the area, the Spanish Mediterranean and the Balearic Islands and also in some areas of the interior and north of the country,” a spokesperson for the Spanish Ministry of Health said.
“After learning about the cases, the authorities of the Balearic Islands have planned actions such as pertinent surveillance and vector control and also communication and information to the public, to be carried out before and during the start of the vector activity season.”
What signs or symptoms accompany dengue fever?
Every year, there are almost 100 million instances of dengue. Up to 75% of those who acquire dengue fever will have no symptoms.
When sick, a person may experience mild to serious symptoms such as fever, nausea, and vomiting, as well as a rash. Aches and aches in the muscles, joints, bones, and area behind the eyes are additional red flags.
These begin four to ten days following the mosquito attack. Visit a doctor as quickly as you can if you think you may have the virus.
Even though the majority of patients recover without any further care in about a week, about one in 20 have severe symptoms and need to visit the emergency department right away. People who have already contracted the virus are at greater danger.
Belly pain, vomiting blood, and bleeding from the nose or gums are symptoms of severe dengue.
How can you defend against dengue?
In the European Union, a dengue vaccine has been authorized for use, but it is only advised for use in people who have already experienced the virus once.
Avoiding mosquito bites is the best method to avoid getting sick. Put on long sleeves, apply repellent, and slumber with a mosquito net.
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