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''High risk'' warning issued to holidaymakers travelling to Cyprus this summer

Urgent High-Risk Alert for UK Holidaymakers Planning Winter Trips to Spain

As the winter holiday season approaches, thousands of UK travelers are eagerly booking flights to sunny Spanish destinations like the Costa del Sol, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands, seeking respite from the dreary British weather. However, a stark warning has been issued by health authorities that could disrupt these plans, highlighting a "high risk" of contracting a potentially serious viral illness. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), has updated its travel advice, urging holidaymakers to exercise extreme caution when heading to Spain. This alert comes amid a surge in reported cases of the Oropouche virus, colloquially known as "sloth fever," which has been linked to travelers returning from affected regions, including parts of Spain.

The Oropouche virus, first identified in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955, is a tropical illness transmitted primarily through bites from infected midges and mosquitoes. It's earned its nickname due to its association with sloths in the Amazon rainforest, where the virus is endemic. Symptoms can be severe, mimicking those of dengue fever or Zika virus, including high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, chills, and sensitivity to light. In rare cases, it can lead to more serious complications such as meningitis or encephalitis, which involve inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membranes. While most people recover within a week or two, the illness can be particularly debilitating for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

What makes this warning particularly alarming for Spain-bound tourists is the recent detection of cases in travelers who have visited or returned from the country. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), there have been confirmed instances of Oropouche virus in Spain, with some cases traced back to individuals who contracted it locally rather than importing it from South America. Spain, a popular hub for international travel, has seen an uptick in vector-borne diseases due to its warm climate and high tourist traffic. The Canary Islands, for instance, with their subtropical weather, provide an ideal breeding ground for the midges that carry the virus. Health experts warn that the winter months, when UK tourists flock to these areas for milder weather, could see a heightened risk as insect populations remain active.

The UKHSA has classified the risk level as "high" for travelers to regions where the virus is circulating, emphasizing that there is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available for Oropouche virus. Prevention is key, and authorities are advising a multi-pronged approach to minimize exposure. Holidaymakers are strongly recommended to use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, applying them generously to exposed skin and clothing. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and socks, especially during dawn and dusk when midges are most active, is also crucial. Additionally, staying in accommodations with air conditioning or screened windows can reduce the chances of bites. For those planning outdoor activities, such as hiking in rural areas or visiting nature reserves, extra vigilance is advised, as these environments may harbor higher insect populations.

This isn't the first time Spain has faced health-related travel warnings. The country has dealt with outbreaks of various illnesses in recent years, from COVID-19 variants to occasional dengue cases, often exacerbated by its role as a gateway between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The current alert follows reports of over 8,000 cases of Oropouche virus across South America this year alone, with Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru being hotspots. Travelers from these regions have inadvertently introduced the virus to Europe, including Spain, where at least a dozen cases have been confirmed in recent months. The ECDC has noted that while the overall risk to the general European population remains low, travelers to endemic areas face a moderate to high risk, depending on their itinerary and precautions taken.

For UK holidaymakers, the implications are significant. Spain remains one of the top destinations for British tourists, with millions visiting annually. The Canary Islands, in particular, see a boom in winter tourism, offering beaches, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant nightlife. However, the high-risk warning could lead to increased anxiety, potential trip cancellations, and a surge in demand for travel insurance that covers illness-related disruptions. Experts recommend checking insurance policies carefully, as not all cover emerging viral threats like Oropouche. Moreover, pregnant women are advised to reconsider non-essential travel to affected areas, given preliminary concerns about potential links to birth defects, similar to those seen with Zika virus, though more research is needed to confirm this.

Beyond health risks, the warning ties into broader travel advice for Spain. The FCDO continues to highlight other potential hazards, including the ongoing threat of terrorism, which remains at a "high" level across the country. Tourists are urged to stay vigilant in crowded areas, such as popular sites in Madrid and Barcelona, where pickpocketing and petty crime are rife. Recent anti-tourism protests in cities like Barcelona have also added an element of unpredictability, with demonstrations sometimes turning disruptive. Weather-related risks shouldn't be overlooked either; while winter in Spain is generally mild, the northern regions can experience heavy rainfall and flooding, and the Canary Islands occasionally face Saharan dust storms that affect air quality.

To put this into perspective, health officials stress that the vast majority of trips to Spain proceed without incident. However, the emergence of Oropouche virus serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of global health threats in an interconnected world. Climate change is playing a role too, as warmer temperatures expand the habitats of disease-carrying insects, potentially bringing tropical illnesses to more temperate zones like southern Europe. Researchers are monitoring the situation closely, with ongoing studies to better understand the virus's transmission dynamics and develop preventive measures.

For those still intent on booking a Spanish getaway, preparation is essential. Consult the latest FCDO travel advice before departure, and consider registering with the UK's travel alert system for real-time updates. Upon return, if symptoms develop—such as sudden fever or rash—seek medical attention promptly and inform healthcare providers of recent travel history. This allows for quick diagnosis and isolation if necessary, helping to prevent local spread in the UK.

In summary, while Spain's allure as a winter sun destination is undeniable, this high-risk warning underscores the importance of informed travel decisions. By staying aware, taking preventive steps, and prioritizing health, holidaymakers can mitigate risks and enjoy their trips safely. As global travel rebounds post-pandemic, such alerts highlight the need for ongoing vigilance against emerging threats. Whether lounging on the beaches of Tenerife or exploring the historic streets of Seville, a little caution can go a long way in ensuring a memorable and healthy holiday. For the latest updates, travelers are encouraged to visit official health and travel websites regularly. (Word count: 1,028)

Read the Full Daily Record Article at:
[ https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/high-risk-warning-issued-holidaymakers-35608537 ]