Family with four children loses caravan in Lisbon

A 71-year-old woman died from primary amebic meningoencephalitis after rinsing her sinuses with tap water from her motorhome. The infection was caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, which entered the brain through the nasal cavity; symptoms appeared within four days, and death occurred approximately eight days after infection. The case highlights the danger of using non-sterile tap water for nasal hygiene, particularly in recreational vehicle systems where biofilms can form.

The couple launched the Explore Ribatejo project on March 9, offering tours using three vehicles. Participants can explore the region in the Parreirinha motorhome, the Caramelo jeep, or the Maria Poeirinha ATV, with minimum durations of three hours for the jeep and ATV and six hours for the motorhome. Prices start at €50 per person for jeep and ATV tours and €70 for the motorhome.

Lisbon Municipal Police confiscated a caravan housing a family of six after repeated illegality notifications. The city council offered emergency housing through Santa Casa da Misericórdia, but the family rejected the support.

MANN-FILTER advises motorhome owners to check and replace the cabin air filter before the start of the season. Replacing the filter, especially with activated carbon or FreciousPlus models, can improve interior air quality, which is important after long periods of inactivity. The company offers filters for most European platforms, including Fiat Ducato and Mercedes Sprinter, and recommends replacement once a year or every 15,000 km.

BLUETTI has introduced the Elite 300 portable power station, designed for motorhome, caravan, and cabin owners. The unit offers 3 kWh capacity and weighs 26.3 kg, providing weekend-long off-grid power. It will be available in Europe from March 9, starting at 1379 euros.

Portugal's automatic 'free-flow' toll roads charge vehicles via cameras that read license plates. For motorhomes and camper vans, payment options include a compatible VIA-T device, the EASYToll system linked to a credit card, or a prepaid TOLLCard. Failure to pay within 15 days results in fines, which can be enforced internationally.