British tourists travelling to the Mediterranean have been warned in recent weeks of issues with the EES (Entry & Exit System) as well as the 40 degree plus temperatures that are forecast for continent next week. However, there is a new threat potentially facing them in the form of a fish, specifically the silver-cheeked pufferfish.

Said species, also known by its Latin name of Lagocephalus sceleratus, is normally based in the Indian Ocean. Reports have now surfaced that the fish, that has teeth so sharp it could bite through a swimmers’ toe or finger, has now found its way into the Mediterranean by going through the Suez Canal.

As a result, holidaymakers are being warned to be vigilant when they head into the water, even though it is statistically unlikely they’ll come across one of the pufferfish. Earlier this year, a Greek woman was bitten whilst swimming off the coast from the Varkiza resort near Athens when, despite not being provoked, the fish attacked her.

Speaking to the Telegraph about the issue, expert Nota Peristeraki from the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, said the attacks have occurred when people have tried to touch the fish.

They said: “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 subsequently published guidance about how people should respond if they get injured by one of the fish. As well as seeking medical help immediately the should to clean the wound with soap and water and apply pressure to stop the bleeding.

Although holidaymakers taking a dip need to be wearing of threats from below, it is the danger from above that is causing major concern with temperatures in some parts of Europe forecast to sore to 44C in the coming days.

Already countries like France have introduced measures to try and reduce the impact including, Sky reports, alcohol bans at state organised events.

In Germany, heat warnings have been issued as temperatures are expected to reach into the high thirties. In Portugal, the highest temperatures are expected around the middle of the week on Tuesday and Wednesday whilst Italy is also expecting high temperatures and Spain is enduring an ongoing heatwave. Storm alerts have also been put in place across the continent.

Back in the UK, temperatures won’t get quite has high as 44C, but with potential peaks of 38C, temperatures will be close to the 40C heatwave seen in 2022.

Ahead of the heatwave, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has put in place an amber health heat alert for parts of England, including London. Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Forecaster for the Met Office Tom Crabtree, warned Britons would be faced with a double fronted threat.

He said: “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.”