Travellers issued alert for deadly disease in Spanish holiday hotspot

The Catalan Department for Health has issued a warning as 21% of animal attacks in the area are now considered to be "risky" for disease transmission. Bats with rabies are a particular concern according to the authority.

It urged people in Catalonia to avoid contact with bats at all costs as these animals are the main carriers of rabies in the area. Rabies is passed on through bites, scratches and other close contact from an infected animal such as an infected animal licking your eyes, nose or mouth.

The authority cautioned: "It is important that if a person finds a bat, they do not handle it, even if it seems harmless or injured. And in this case, notify rural agents so that they can take charge of its management.

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"In the event of a bite, scratch or lick from an animal considered at risk, both in Catalonia and in any other territory, in addition to immediately washing the wound with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection, it is necessary to consult a healthcare centre so that it can assess the actions to be taken."

Officials also reminded people to be wary when travelling to other countries or areas that might have endemic rabies but Catalonia is currently free of terrestrial endemic rabies. This means that animals such as dogs, cats and ferrets in the area have no risk of contagion. The authority has highlighted that occasional instances of bats carrying the infection have been reported in the area.

Between January and 29 July this year, there were 88 animal attacks reported in Catalonia, with 22 involving bats, a figure consistent with previous years. However, this year has seen a significant increase in cases requiring intervention due to potential rabies infection, accounting for 63% of all incidents.

The health authority clarified that people who have been attacked by an animal deemed at risk of carrying rabies are typically administered anti-rabies medication and must adhere to a vaccination schedule following the suspected exposure.

Historically, June, July and August have been the peak months for animal attacks in Catalonia, with most incidents occurring during tourist trips in the region, on the streets or within domestic settings.

The NHShas issued a warning to travellers heading to Asia, Africa, Central America and South America to be particularly vigilant for rabies, as these regions have a higher prevalence of the disease.

In certain circumstances, a rabies vaccine may be recommended for those travelling to areas where access to emergency medical assistance may be limited or for those likely to come into contact with animals, such as those engaging in extensive outdoor activities.

Rabies is extremely rare in the UK and can be transmitted by various mammals including dogs, bats, raccoons and foxes. Currently, much like Catalonia, it's only sporadically found in some bats in the UK.

Rabies can be prevented if treatment is sought promptly after exposure, according to health services. However, once symptoms begin to manifest, the disease becomes untreatable and is almost always fatal.