Doctor explains how to prevent tick bites Brits are urged to stay vigilant as a plague of “monster ticks” have been invading holiday spots across Europe . The blood-sucking creatures are reportedly four times larger than regular ticks and can carry dangerous diseases. The large ticks, known as Hyalomma lusitanicum, originate from tropical climates including Africa and southeast Asia.
But now it is feared they are making their way across Europe, carried by wild animals including rabbits. Studies have shown Hyalomma to be particularly rife across Spain , the Balearic Islands and southern Italy . One investigation from 2022 revealed that the ticks were found in almost every part of Barcelona.
However, this spring, they were discovered to have spread out over eight areas of the northeastern region of Catalonia. Earlier this month, Spanish authorities confirmed a man had been admitted to hospital with a case of Crimean-Congo fever (CCHFV), which can be transmitted by the ticks. READ MORE Four red flag signs in your head of silent killer condition to spot Hyalomma lusitanicum ticks are four times larger than their counterparts (Image: Getty Images) He was reportedly in a “serious but stable” condition.
The monster ticks have also been found in the UK, Portugal, Sardinia and Malta, The Sun reports. More recently they were detected in Germany and Sweden as well as the northern parts of Italy. Scientists are concerned this means the ticks can survive in colder climates.
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