15 April 2024 , 11:51
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A warning has been issued to British holidaymakers planning on a Mediterranean getaway after "bone-breaker fever" was found on a popular Spanish island.
At least two cases of dengue fever, believed to have happened to people locally, have alarmed experts that the virus might be spreading across Ibiza. Virologists believe dozens could be struck down by the virus as their mosquito carriers became more prevalent in April.
The virus, given its name due to the excruciating pain it leaves sufferers in, is found in tropical regions. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said dengue infects between 100 to 400 million people each year.
A study led by Lucía García-San-Miguel, from Spain's Ministry of Health, issued a preventative warning to travellers. The study published earlier this month recommended travellers who arrived in Spain from countries where dengue is prevalent should protect themselves from mosquito bites for at least two weeks after they arrive.
Ibiza is a popular holiday destination for many Brits (Getty Images)The measure is aimed at preventing the transmission of the virus to mosquitos while the virus is at its most contagious. Study authors also recommended more rapid and reliable lab testing for dengue in European countries where people travel to the virus' hotspots in order to prevent further spread.
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It comes after German tourists who travelled to Ibiza became infected with the virus, MailOnline reported. In the first case, the tourists arrived to the island in August 2022 and were known to be infected eight days after they returned.
Another case that same year saw a separate set of German tourists getting infected and being diagnosed five days after they returned home. The family in the second case reported getting mosquito bites.
"The lack of detection of additional cases in Ibiza residents, especially during the temporal gap between the two German cases, suggests that some cases probably linked to this outbreak may have gone undetected," the study said. "...it is very important to increase the awareness of detection of dengue cases in Spain and other European countries."
Between 100 to 400 million people get dengue each year (Getty Images)According to the NHS, you can get dengue if you're bitten by an infected mosquito and they typically bite during daytime. European countries where dengue has been found also include: Croatia, France, Italy and Portugal.
The virus is not found in the UK and it cannot be spread from person to person. Symptoms of dengue typically start four to 10 days following a mosquito bite and include:
- a high temperature
- a severe headache
- pain behind your eyes
- muscle and joint pain
- feeling or being sick
- swollen glands
- a blotchy rash made up of flat or slightly raised spots – this can affect large areas of your body
Most people recover without needing treatment. Although, some people may get a more severe type of dengue, which has the following symptoms:
- severe tummy pain
- repeatedly being sick
- fast breathing
- bleeding gums or nose
- extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- being unable to relax (restlessness)
- blood in your vomit or poo