A rabies infection is not something anyone wants to discover in their neighbourhood. Once symptoms develop, the disease is almost always fatal, making prompt treatment after exposure essential. For dog and cat owners in Ceuta, the latest confirmed case is another reminder of why keeping vaccinations up to date matters, particularly in a city bordering a country where rabies is still present.

The latest infection involved a dog that crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on October 28. Fortunately, it was spotted at the Tarajal border crossing and captured less than 30 minutes later, before it could come into contact with residents or other animals. The infection was confirmed on November 12 by Spain’s National Centre for Microbiology at the Carlos III Health Institute. 

Dog showed worrying symptoms after crossing border

The dog’s vaccination status was unknown when it entered Spanish territory. Guardia Civil officers spotted it near the border and alerted the animal collection service, which managed to capture it shortly afterwards.

Its condition was already extremely poor. The animal was severely emaciated, had a limp in one leg and displayed continuous, frantic running behaviour. Given these symptoms and its arrival from a rabies-endemic area, veterinary authorities suspected infection and decided to euthanise it immediately.

Laboratory tests subsequently confirmed rabies using immunofluorescence and PCR, which detect the presence of the virus. One important detail is that the dog remained under continuous surveillance following its capture. Authorities confirmed that it had no contact with people or other animals, meaning no human or animal exposures have been identified in connection with this case. 

Second rabies case recorded in Ceuta this year

Unlike mainland Spain, where terrestrial rabies has been eradicated, Morocco continues to report infections in both animals and humans. The country’s National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) identifies rabies as an endemic disease found across much of its territory, with dogs acting as the main reservoir of infection. 

The scale of the problem remains significant. According to the World Health Organisation, 451 human rabies cases were documented in Morocco between 2000 and 2022, averaging around 20 deaths annually. Animal infections are also regularly reported, with stray dogs representing a major source of transmission. 

Why pet owners need to take rabies seriously

Although Spain and its islands have been free of terrestrial rabies since 1978, imported cases continue to occur occasionally in Ceuta and Melilla because of their proximity to countries where the disease remains present. The Ministry of Agriculture stresses that vaccination is one of the most important tools for preventing the spread of rabies. In Ceuta, annual rabies vaccination is compulsory for dogs, cats and ferrets, and owners must keep their animals’ vaccination records up to date.

The disease affects the central nervous system of mammals and can spread to humans through the saliva of an infected animal, usually following a bite or scratch.  Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is virtually always fatal. Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of carrying rabies should wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes before seeking urgent medical attention. Preventive treatment can stop the disease developing if administered promptly. Dogs, cats and ferrets in Ceuta must be vaccinated against rabies annually, with owners required to keep their animals’ vaccinations up to date.

Anyone who has spent hours squeezed into an economy seat on a long-haul flight knows how uncomfortable travelling can become. Business class might offer a welcome escape, but with prices often beyond the reach of ordinary holidaymakers, premium economy is an increasingly attractive alternative.

Offering more legroom, wider seats and better onboard services, it promises a more comfortable journey without the full cost of business class. But which airlines actually deliver an upgrade worth paying for? Five carriers have been recognised in the 2026 World Airline Awards by aviation rating organisation Skytrax, with EVA Air taking first place, followed by Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Virgin Atlantic.

EVA Air takes the top spot

Taiwanese airline EVA Air claimed first place, drawing on decades of experience since becoming the first airline to introduce premium economy in 1992.

Its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft offer 38 inches (96.5cm) of seat pitch, compared with approximately 31 to 33 inches (78.7 to 83.8cm) in standard economy. Passengers also benefit from wider seats, additional recline and upgraded onboard amenities.

Emirates and Singapore Airlines

Emirates secured second place, taking the top award for its premium economy seats and onboard catering. Passengers receive leather seats, adjustable headrests, calf and footrests, larger entertainment screens and upgraded meals. Its newer Airbus A350 cabins also feature wireless charging and 4K entertainment screens, although these facilities are not available across the entire fleet.

Singapore Airlines came third, offering approximately 38 inches (96.5cm) of seat pitch, wider seats and additional recline. Passengers also receive priority boarding, calf and footrests, and an upgraded dining experience. Its Book the Cook service allows travellers to pre-order dishes from a selection of chef-inspired meals.

Cathay Pacific and Virgin Atlantic

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific took fourth place. Its premium economy cabins offer up to 40 inches (101.6cm) of seat pitch, adjustable leg rests and additional recline. Passengers also receive priority boarding, extra baggage allowance and upgraded meals. Selected refurbished aircraft feature redesigned seats and larger entertainment screens.

Virgin Atlantic completed the top five, offering priority check-in and boarding, two checked bags of up to 23kg each, and an improved onboard dining experience. Passengers are also welcomed with sparkling wine, while meals are served with a restaurant-style approach. Seat dimensions vary between aircraft, so checking the configuration before booking is advisable.

Is premium economy worth the extra cost?

The biggest drawback is the price. Premium economy can cost hundreds of euros more than a standard economy ticket, and the difference between airlines can be substantial. Travel expert Katy Nastro, from flight-tracking app Flighty, told the BBC that upgrades with some airlines can approach €690 per flight segment.

However, buying an economy ticket first and checking for discounted upgrade offers later can sometimes be considerably cheaper. The aircraft operating the route is another important consideration. Airlines often have different premium economy configurations across their fleets, meaning passengers could pay extra without receiving the newest seats or facilities. For overnight flights and particularly long journeys, the additional space and ability to recline more comfortably may justify the expense. For shorter trips, however, the money might be better spent elsewhere.

Fitness, family fun and fundraising are coming together in Playa Flamenca on Saturday, November 14, when the Red Cross holds its second charity activity day in Orihuela Costa. The event promises a lively morning of exercise sessions, free children’s workshops and a charity raffle, with money raised helping vulnerable children through local Red Cross projects.

The event takes place on the Playa Flamenca promenade at Calle Los Nardos 4, with a morning of exercise sessions, children’s workshops and a charity raffle.

The second charity activity day aims to bring residents and families together for an enjoyable morning while raising awareness of the Red Cross and its work in the local community.

With activities suitable for different ages and fitness levels, the event offers an opportunity to get moving, meet other residents and support a worthwhile cause.

Fitboxing, Pilates and Zumba sessions planned

Activities begin at 9:30 AM with fitboxing, combining boxing movements with a fitness workout, followed by Pilates at 10:00 AM. Anyone joining the Pilates session should bring their own mat.

A rope-based exercise session follows at 10:30 AM, before a Zumba masterclass gets everyone moving at 11:00 AM.

The activities are open to all ages and abilities, making the event accessible to people who enjoy regular exercise as well as those who simply want to try something different.

The varied programme gives participants the chance to choose their favourite activity or enjoy several sessions throughout the morning.

Free children’s workshops and Red Cross information

For younger visitors, there will be free children’s workshops throughout the morning, offering creative activities while parents enjoy the fitness sessions.

The workshops will provide entertainment for children and help make the charity day a family-friendly occasion.

Red Cross volunteers will also be on hand at an information stand to explain more about the charity’s local work.

Visitors will have the opportunity to find out how the organisation supports people in need and learn more about the projects benefiting from community fundraising.

Charity raffle supports vulnerable children

At 12:00 PM, a charity raffle will feature prizes donated by local businesses and organisations.