San Juan is one of the most popular nights on the coast, with hundreds and thousands gathering on the beach for the annual tradition. This year in Mojácar, however, celebrations were spoiled when upwards of seventy San Juan beach-goers fell ill with suspected poisoning symptoms. According to the Regional government, 30 people sought medical treatment across the Levante region after attending San Juan on Descargados Beach in Mojácar, although 71 people were reportedly affected. Health officials later confirmed hey had records of 74 mild cases,
while noting the true number could be higher as many people recovered without seeking medical attention. Symptoms reported after San Juan celebrations Those affected described experiencing throat irritation, persistent coughing, breathing difficulties while partying on the beach. As the evening progressed, some also develped headaches, nausea, diarrhoea and, in some cases, a high fever. Thankfully all cases were mild and patients recovered quickly, with symptoms subsiding for many after only a few hours. No one required hospital admission and there have been no reports of
lasting complications As such, health officials stressed this was not a cause for alarm or panic. Investigation into the suspected cause An epidemiological survey was conducted to establish the source of the outbreak, with the Regional Health and Consumer Affairs Delegation described the San Juan situation as “an isolated incident with no serious consequences for public health.” Investigators continued to examine what exactly caused the smoke to affect the beach-goers in such a way. It is suspected the cause of the illness may have been
caused by chemical accelerators being added to one or more of the traditional bonfires that lit up the beach that night, producing smoke that was inhaled by those nearby. Reports suggest the wind carried the smoke towards one section of Descargador Beach where hundreds of people had gathered, potentially explaining why those in that area were more affected than other.
Mojácar, San Juan, Descargados Beach, suspected poisoning, mild cases, bonfires, smoke, Levante, epidemiological survey, throat irritation, coughing