Summer in Spain? Drought and insect plague create health risk in Catalonia

Catalonia has been suffering from droughts for several months. To make matters worse, a new plague involving cockroaches, migratory ticks, and tiger mosquitoes has appeared in the region. Experts warn that these insects can be dangerous to human health.

In April, drought and high temperatures appeared in the southeastern region of Spain. This led to the presence of cockroaches, ticks, and tiger mosquitoes.

Experts from the Catalan Association of Environmental Health Sector Companies (ADEPAP) warn about these dangerous insects.

The population of these insects will definitely increase in the summer, said ADEPAP Vice President, Andreu Garcia.

The dry and warm weather favours the reproduction of these specimens. Experts reassure that in the specimens studied so far in Catalonia, no viruses of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, which these insects often carry, have been detected.

The most common cockroach in Catalonia is the American cockroach, characterized by its brown colour. Another cockroach commonly found in homes is the German cockroach, widely known as the "russet."

Undoubtedly, the presence of insects such as cockroaches, ticks, or tiger mosquitoes can ruin a stay in Catalonia. However, that's not the only issue.

Spanish television Telecinco reports that due to the increasingly severe drought, many municipalities are announcing that they will introduce restrictions on water use.

In April, local authorities approved regulations that allow for the introduction of water use restrictions in hotel facilities. However, the authorities in Barcelona declare that they will make efforts to ensure these restrictions are not necessary.