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ARCHIVED - Reports of jellyfish stings and reactions to insect bites down 80 per cent in Alicante
So far this year, health centres in the Valencia region, including Alicante province, have dealt with 8,677 incidents compared to 39,500 during the same period in 2019
The summer months see the highest concentration of insect, jellyfish and other arthropod bites, such as ticks, which require medical attention in the Valencia region, with three out of every four assistances occurring between June and September.
And those under 19 years of age are the most affected, according to the regional's health data.
But so far in 2021, there appears to have been a significant drop for the second consecutive year in the number of people who have needed treatment due to the severity of the bite or sting or because of an allergic reaction. This is due to "mobility restriction measures", meaning people are spending less time outdoors says the regional health department, along with campaigns to combat pests, such as mosquitos and early warnings of the presence of jellyfish along the Costa Blanca coastline.
According to health centre data, 8,677 people have sought medical attention for bites and stings so far this year, compared to 11,768 in the same period of 2020 and 39,500 in 2019. This represents a decrease of 26 and 78 per cent respectively.
To prevent "falling prey to insects and arthropods", the regional Ministry of Health recommends wearing clothing that covers the extremities on field trips or evening walks, suitable footwear on the beach and/or in the mountains and checking for any jellyfish alerts before going the sea.
In endemic areas it is also useful to apply pharmacy-bought skin repellants over clothing five to 10 minutes before exposure and once or twice a day, "without abusing it to avoid systemic absorption through the skin".
On Friday, it was reported a giant jellyfish, known as the Rhizostoma Luteum species, which can reach a weight of up to 40 kilos - had been spotted off the coast of Granada.
IMAGE: Archive