BRITS have been warned about a plague of “Monster Ticks” invading holiday hotspots this summer.
It is feared that blood-sucking parasites carrying a deadly disease are spreading across Europe.
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The large, aggressive ticks, known as Hyalomma lusitanicum, are originally found in tropical climates, including Africa and Southeast Asia.
In Europe, however, the species remained discreet for decades.
But in recent years, scientists say the dangerous mites have made a strong comeback, carried by wild animals, including rabbits.
According to studies, Hyalomma is particularly present in Spain, the Balearic Islands and southern Italy.
A 2022 investigation found that ticks, which can transmit the deadly Crimean-Congo fever (CCHFV), were found in almost every part of Barcelona.
But this spring, they were found to have spread to eight areas of northeastern Catalonia.
However, it has also been found in the United Kingdom, Portugal, Sardinia, Malta, and more recently in Germany and Sweden, as well as in northern Italy.
This worried scientists, as the tick species appears to be living in colder climates.
This month, Polish health experts warned their citizens that arachnids carrying the virus could soon reach their borders.
Warsaw scientists have now launched a special program to try to map the approaching threat.
THE HUNTING TICK
It turned out that this parasite – unlike other commonly known ticks – actively hunts its prey.
Carlos Pradera, a pest control specialist, said: “H. lusitanicum actively searches for its prey, running towards it as soon as it detects its presence.”
He said The Vanguard that its most striking characteristic is its high mobility that allows it to wait for an animal or human to pass before jumping onto its skin.
If you find a tick on yourself, experts recommend using tweezers to grab it by the head – never the body – and remove it immediately.
It turns out that Brits crossing the Channel were warned about a deadly virus that causes brain swelling and spreads to humans through tick bites.
Switzerland, a favorite vacation spot for outdoor enthusiasts, has reported 27 cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) this year.
Infection rates in the mountainous country have risen over the past five years.
Ticks favor warmer weather, which also “encourages more people to spend time outdoors” where they are more likely to be bitten, experts said.
Most people who contract the virus do not experience flu-like symptoms or only mild symptoms.
However, the disease can progress to affect the brain and central nervous system and can sometimes be fatal.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
