Holidaymakes visiting a top Spanish mainland destination have been warned about a ‘rat epidemic’ in certain regions.
Locals and tourists in Malaga are facing a less than welcome surprise in the shape of a rodent problem with sightings increasing significantly across the city including popular districts such as Churriana and Haza de Cuevas.
Rats have reportedly swarmed the streets and sun-drenched plazas as temperatures soar to highs of 40C, reports the Express. One resident claimed rats have been running between people’s feet at Parque de Heulin.
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Speaking to SUR, she said: “We are afraid because the rats run between our feet, as happened last week to one of the children (in the Parque de Huelin).”
The infestation is being blamed on rising temperatures with fierce heatwaves hitting parts of Europe.
Offering a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such searing conditions, Hector Tejero of the Spanish Health Ministry warned about the perilous heat, saying: “The heat is killing 3,000 people a year and it’s going to get worse. But while exposure to extreme heat is going to rise, we can also step up our adaptation to it.”
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Mr Tejero added: “Although it’s hotter in Spain than it was 20 years ago, fewer people are dying because homes are better adapted, because we have air conditioning, and because people are getting into a culture of dealing with the heat.”
Malaga city councillor Penelope Gomez has acknowledged that rodent infestations are a widespread issue across Europe. In a recent council meeting, Gomez announced an increase in both efforts and budget from the environment department to tackle the pest problem, boosting the rodent eradication fund from EUR142,000 euros to a substantial EUR400,000.
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Local representative Francisco Giron has also noted a rise in cockroaches and expressed concerns about mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus in Malaga, which have been associated with several deaths in Andalusia.
Councillor Begona Medina has voiced her concern over the increasing number of rodents and insects, pressing Gomez for more information on the mosquito responsible for spreading the West Nile virus.
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