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If not treated, Leishmaniasis can be deadly
Warning
THAT BITES

Brits visiting Game of Thrones locations in Morocco warned they could contract DEADLY flesh-eating disease from sandfly bites

An outbreak in Morocco has been reported just days after the first case was found in the UK

BRITS heading to Morocco for a holiday could bring home a deadly flesh-eating disease, according to experts.

With many people expected to visit the Game of Thrones locations in the country this year, tourists have been warned to be wary of catching the bug.

 The deadly disease is spread by sandfly bites
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The deadly disease is spread by sandfly bitesCredit: Getty - Contributor

For many years, the fantasy epic has sparked its own tourist trail, with sightseers flocking to exotic filming locations across the Mediterranean.

But fans hoping to travel to Morocco this summer - home to the fictional Game of Thrones cities of ‘Yunkai’, 'Pentos’ and ‘Astapor’ - have been warned to be vigilant against a deadly disease called Leishmaniasis.

The first case of it was reported in the UK this week after a dog died from the topical disease, although it cannot be passed from pet to human.

The infection is carried by sandflies and is passed to humans through the insect’s bite. If not treated, Leishmaniasis is deadly.

 If not treated, Leishmaniasis can be deadly
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If not treated, Leishmaniasis can be deadlyCredit: Getty - Contributor

And in March this year Moroccan governor Yahdih Bouchaab chaired a meeting to discuss actions to combat the Leishmaniasis disease while also calling for an awareness campaign.

Between 2004 and 2013, Morocco recorded 41,656 cases of Leishmaniasis.

While eastern Morocco was particularly affected, outbreaks were recorded nationwide.

Shamir Patel, a leading UK pharmacist, says UK tourists need to take steps to avoid being bitten.

 An outbreak has been reported across Morocco
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An outbreak has been reported across MoroccoCredit: Hemis.fr RM - Getty

He said: "Morocco is a popular location for British tourists, and it’s becoming increasingly attractive to families as more package option become available.

"With Game of Thrones back on screens and showcasing Morocco in all its glory, it’s likely to become even more visited.

"But with cases of Leishmaniasis increasing, particularly in the eastern provinces, travellers need to take steps to prevent sandfly bites.

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"Most anti-bite formulas contain ‘DEET’, aka the chemical 'N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide’.

"It’s thought insects have an intense hatred for the smell of DEET, while the chemical also blocks the smell sensors of insects. Stock up before you go away.

"And also be sure to cover your extremities in areas known to be rife with sandflies."

 The sandfly bites spread the disease so experts advise using DEET as much as possible
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The sandfly bites spread the disease so experts advise using DEET as much as possibleCredit: Alamy

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office says 650,000 Brits visit every year and "most visits are trouble-free".

However, the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers also warns of the Leishmanias threat in Morocco.

Describing two types of Leishmaniasis, they state on their website: "Leishmaniasis is endemic in Morocco.

"Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is widespread in semi arid rural areas, with increased vector activity from June through September, particularly in Er Rachidia, Ouarzazate, and Tata Provinces, including the High Atlas mountain region (Azilal and Essaouira Provinces), Marrakech Province, Agadir and Tiznit Provinces.

"It is also transmitted in urban areas throughout the country.

 Morocco is popular with tourists looking for Game of Thrones filming locations ahead of the final season
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Morocco is popular with tourists looking for Game of Thrones filming locations ahead of the final seasonCredit: HBO

"Visceral Leishmaniasis transmission is localised throughout Morocco, including in Fes, Marrakech, and the southwest Atlas region.”

Mr Patel and Chemist-4-U team adds: "It might take many weeks - or even months - for Leishmaniasis to manifest after the initial infection.

"Early symptoms of the disease - which both pharmacists and travellers need to be aware of - typically involve painful open sores and ulcers, which might look like a volcano with a raised edge and central crater.

"You might also notice a fever, weight loss, swelling of the spleen and liver, as well as anaemia.

"The good news is that, once identified, Leishmaniasis is usually successfully treated through a programme of drugs.”

There are three key Game of Thrones locations in Morocco - one is Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, in the southern Moroccan province of Ouarzazate, which was transformed into 'Yunkai' and 'Pentos' for the series.

The fortified historical city Ait Ben Haddou became the show’s 'Slaving city', the setting for Daenerys' battle with the Second Sons to liberate the slaves.

Meanwhile the coastal town of Essaouira also stood in for the TV's 'Astapor', which saw Daenerys' dragons take flight for the very first time at the end of season three.

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