British travelers planning a trip to the Mediterranean are being cautioned about potential issues with the Entry & Exit System (EES) and the upcoming scorching heatwave exceeding 40 degrees Celsius across the region. However, an additional concern looms in the form of the silver-cheeked pufferfish.
This particular fish, scientifically known as Lagocephalus sceleratus, is typically found in the Indian Ocean. Recent reports reveal that this fish, armed with razor-sharp teeth capable of severing toes or fingers of swimmers, has found its way into the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal.
As a result, tourists are advised to stay vigilant when entering the water, although the likelihood of encountering one of these pufferfish remains low statistically.
Earlier this year, a Greek woman experienced a bite while swimming near the Varkiza resort close to Athens when the fish unexpectedly attacked without provocation.
According to Nota Peristeraki, an expert from the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, incidents with the pufferfish occurred when individuals attempted to touch the fish, as reported by the Express.
Peristeraki stated, “Some attacks have happened when people have tried to feed or touch the fish. There have been a couple of cases of people losing a finger or a toe.”
Furthermore, the Greek Red Cross has issued guidelines on how to respond if injured by one of these fish, emphasizing immediate medical attention, cleaning the wound with soap and water, and applying pressure to stop bleeding.
While swimmers are advised to be cautious of underwater hazards, the primary concern revolves around the soaring temperatures in certain European regions, with projections of reaching 44 degrees Celsius in the upcoming days.
Countries like France have already taken steps to mitigate the impact, including the prohibition of alcohol at state-organized events as reported by Sky. Germany has issued heat warnings as temperatures are expected to rise into the high thirties. Portugal anticipates peak temperatures midweek, while Italy and Spain are preparing for high temperatures amidst an ongoing heatwave, with storm alerts activated across the continent.
In the UK, temperatures may not hit 44 degrees Celsius, but highs of 38 degrees are forecasted, nearing the 2022 heatwave peak.
In preparation for the heatwave, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber health heat alert for regions in England, including London. Deputy Chief Forecaster for the Met Office, Tom Crabtree, cautioned that Britons will face a dual threat.
Crabtree explained, “As well as very high daytime temperatures, there will be consecutive nights where temperatures do not drop below 20°C, which is called a Tropical Night. This will make it very hard for people to recover from the daytime heat, exacerbating the heat stress impacts.”