Irish tourists heading to Spain are being warned of a "new tropical bug" that is commonly found in hotels and other tourist accommodation.
The National Association of Environmental Health Companies(ANECPLA) warned in the last few days that the new bug has been identified and feeds on human blood.
The parasitic insect is between 5 and 6mm and is of the bed bug species.
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Bites from the insect can cause discomfort and even various allergic reactions, insomnia or stress.
Jorge Galvan, director general of ANECPLA, said: "Due to their tiny size, it is common for them to stow away among clothes or suitcases, causing new infestations in homes, hotels, apartments, etc.
"Globalization, higher levels of pollution and rising temperatures due to climate change are behind this resurgence of bedbugs in Europe.
"This is undoubtedly a very serious emerging public health problem that we at ANECPLA believe is important to transcend the private sphere and be addressed at the institutional level. Otherwise, we run the risk of it becoming chronic, with all the implications that this may have."
Their presence is closely associated with the hotel sector and tourist accommodation and experts have said the quality of accommodation does not matter when it comes to the bugs.
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