Tourists heading to Spain on holiday are being warned of a 'new tropical bug' that feeds on human blood.
It's a parasitic insect between 5 and 6 mm in length that usually nests in beds, the folds of sheets, furniture and armchairs, according to The National Association of Environmental Health Companies (ANECPLA).
A warning has been issued due to the "potential risk as a possible transmitter of diseases" of this insect which is part of the 'bed bug' species.
Read more: Step-by-step guide on what is needed if travelling from NI to Spain
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."
Experts say the quality of accommodation or how many stars it may have doesn't matter when it comes to the 'tropical bug'.
In recent years, the bed bug population has increased by more than 500%.
“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," Jorge Galvan added.
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