Alert: Killer tiger mosquitoes carrying “breakbone” fever are spotted in 18 EU countries weeks before summer holidays

TIGER mosquitoes carrying the “breakbone” killer fever have arrived home or been detected in at least 18 EU countries.

Popular tourist spots such as Spain and Greece are among the places where the disease-infested creature has taken hold.

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The insects have become an increasing threat to Europe over the past two decades as warmer temperatures have allowed the blood-sucking nat to thrive, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

European scientists have linked its presence to a recent increase in dengue cases on the continent.

They fear international travel will increase the risk of more local outbreaks – including in the UK.

In France, which will host the Olympics in July, alarms have already begun to ring.

A Health Ministry official previously said authorities were preparing for possible disease threats during the games by monitoring and capturing the insect.

Mosquitoes have already “established” themselves in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Spain, according to the health body.

This means that it has developed a self-sustaining population that is reproducing in the country.

And once a mosquito takes hold somewhere, it’s practically impossible to get rid of it.

It has also been sighted in Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, the Netherlands and Slovakia.

London could become thenext hotspot for the irrepressible creature in the next decade, experts have previously warned.

Last year, the UK government installed additional mosquito traps at ports, service stations and lorry stops across southern England to combat the growing spread of dengue fever.

The insects have already been spotted six times in the southeast England since 2016.

The mosquito, known for its black and white stripes on its body and legs, can transmit several tropical diseases, including dengue, zika and chikungunya.

Until recently, these diseases were only typically present in parts of Africa, Asia and the Americas – where the bacteria became established.

All can cause serious complications and, in rare cases, can be fatal.

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WHAT ARE DENGUE, CHIKUGUNYA AND ZIKA?

Dengue can cause severe muscle and bone pain in infected people, which is why it is sometimes nicknamed “break-bone” fever.

About one in 10 infected people will develop severe dengue fever, which can result in shock, internal bleeding and even death.

Large outbreaks have increased in recent years.

Last year, eight infections were recorded in Francefour in Italy and two in Spain.

Most European cases are detected abroad and brought home.

However, locally acquired infections are also on the rise, with 130 people affected in 2023, up from 71 the previous year.

“Europe is already seeing how climate change is creating more favorable conditions for invasive mosquitoes to spread into previously unaffected areas and infect more people with diseases like dengue,” said ECDC director Andrea Ammon.

“Increased international travel from countries where dengue is endemic will also increase the risk of imported cases and, inevitably, also the risk of local outbreaks.”

Chikungunya is a viral infection most commonly found in Africa, Asia and the Americas.

It can cause fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash.

Serious complications are not common, but in the elderly they can contribute to the cause of death.

Zika virus It is found mainly in the Americas and Asia.

Symptoms are usually mild, but some present with a rash, itching, joint pain, fever, headache, and lower back pain.

The real danger is for pregnant women, as the disease can be transmitted from mother to baby.

The virus has been linked to the neurological disease Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can cause paralysis.

It has also been linked to the birth defect microcephaly in babies, which causes them to be born with abnormally small heads and incomplete brain development.