It is expected to get worse over the festive period
An urgent warning has been issued to British tourists visiting a popular holiday hotspot.
Those hoping to catch a bit of winter sun in Tenerife or Lanzarote are being urged to wear a mask and make sure their vaccinations are up to date.
The warning has come from health chiefs after a rise in “deadly” winter viruses on the Canary Islands.
Covid, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have risen since August, sparking alerts by the Canary Islands Association of Primary Care Physicians.
The destination is popular among British visitors over the Christmas period.
According to government data, combined, the three viruses are now hitting 794 people per 100,000 compared to 60 per 100,000 in England.
At its peak, the location was experiencing 1,296 cases per 100,000 in mid-December 2023.
Mild symptoms are experienced by healthy, younger people. But older Brits with health conditions and young children could contract a life-threatening illness.
Ana Joyanes, president of the Canary Islands Association of Primary Care Physicians (AMAPCAN), expected cases to rise further over the winter months.
Joyanes told GB News: “Vaccination is essential to make the impact of these infections milder or avoid them altogether, especially if you are over 60 years of age or classed as vulnerable. Anyone with respiratory symptoms should wear a mask to prevent transmission.
“Both flu and Covid can be deadly. If we are protected, we will fare better against the viruses.”
The area’s Ministry of Health are meeting this month to decide on mandatory mask-wearing to help control the spread. The decision on what curbs will be introduced will be taken then.
Tourists in the Canary Islands do not have to wear a face covering anywhere at the moment, but new restrictions could change everything if they are imposed.
Joyanes predicts the surge will worsen over the winter months, and has urged Brits to make sure they’re up to date with all of their vaccines before flying out for their holiday.
Those travellers who have ‘respiratory symptoms’ have been told to pack a face mask to prevent transmission.
