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Thursday, 28 January 2016 14:24

The Canary Islands: Zika & Disease-Free Despite The Heat

The mosquito that transmits Zika virus doesn't live in the Canary Islands The mosquito that transmits Zika virus doesn't live in the Canary Islands Wikipedia

Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands may be hot and sunny but they are free of all infectious diseases like malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya and  the zika virus.

UPDATE: In December 2017, a small number of Aedes aegypti mosquitos, which can transmit Dengue, Zika and Yellow Fever, were detected in Fuerteventura. Fortunately, they were disease free and the island's biological control unit expects to have them eradicated before the start of 2018. The Canary Islands have a thorough insect monitoring program and no native disease-carrying mosquitos. 

There are several reasons why the Canaries are disease-free...

The Canary Islands are subtropical rather than tropical. This means that it is too cool and dry for many tropical mosquitos and the diseases they carry to survive.

The mosquito species that transmits most tropical diseases (including Zika virus) doesn't live in the Canary Islands there have never been any cases of Canarians or tourists catching a mosquito-borne disease in the Canary Islands from the native mozzies.

Another factor that protects the islands is that it is dry most of the time so there are no puddles for mosquitos to breed in. While tropical destinations get regular rain, it doesn't rain often enough in the Canary Islands for puddles. 

Also, the area of Africa closest to the Canaries is very dry so mosquitos don't blow over.

You don't ever see it, but Canarian airports also have sophisticated trapping systems designed to catch any exotic mozzies that hide away inside aeroplanes. Since most flights to the islands come in from Europe, the risk of exotic mosquitos escaping is low anyway. With Zika virus spreading in South America, precautions in the Canaries have been stepped up just in case.

As a further precaution, all the reservoirs and water tanks in rural areas are stocked with little fish called mosquito fish which eat mosquito larva.

If you are sensitive to mosquito bites, then it is sensible to take precautions in the Canary Islands as the local mozzies do bite. Local supermarkets sell excellent plugins that emit a smell that mosquitos hate; They cost about 5 euros for the device and enough liquid to last for 30 nights. Outdoors there isn't much you can do except apply a mild mosquito repellent (one containing DEET is most effective). 

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  • Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?
    Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?

    Visitors to Gran Canaria often ask whether it is better to exchange their local currency for euros at home or in Gran Canaria. 

    The answer is that it is almost always better to buy your euros at home than it is to bring pounds to Gran Canaria and use local banks or currency exchanges. This rule of thumb applies all over the world. A currency is almost always cheaper the further away you are from the place you can spend it (because demand for it is lower). 

    Exchange rates are almost always better at home than in Gran Canaria

    You are very likely to get a better exchange rate using a British currency exchange specialist or local bank. Many of these companies will deliver your euros to your home.

    One of the best rates in the UK is often from the post office, especially if you do it well in advance.

    The only way you'll get a better rate in Gran Canaria than at home is if the exchange rate changes while you are travelling and this is rare. 

    You also have to bear in mind that currency exchanges in Gran Canaria are getting rarer and some local banks don't exchange money for non-clients. 

    To Transfer large amouynts of money to Gran Canaria, or to make regular transfers, always use a reputable currency broker such as Currencies Direct. This will save you money on exchange rates and bank charges and is highky secure. 

    The risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria

    Another important factor to consider is the risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria: If it is lost or stolen, there is no way of getting it back. 

    It is much safer to bring a debit or credit card and use local bank ATMs to take out money. These days, a good option is a pre-charged debit card. 

    Cards may be slightly more expensive that carrying cash, unless you seek out a bank card with low commissions, but it is much more secure. 

    Bank ATMs like Bankia, Santander and BBVA often charge lower rates than the ATMs in shopping centres and busy tourist areas.

    Alex Says: Always select the Euro option at ATMs in Gran Canaria because the exchange rate is much better than if you opt for the Local Currency option. The same applies when you pay by card in shops and restaurants.

    See our Gran Canaria Tips section for more nuggets of useful local information.

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