Chilling ‘screaming' drawings of 3 children held captive for 4 years since Covid by ‘germaphobe' parents in Spain
The eight-year-old twins and ten-year-old boy were
by their parents for four years for fears of catching the virus.
Advertisement
9
A screaming red monster drawn on the bed by one of the young boys
9
A skull and cross bones drawn on the bed by one of the children
Credit: Spanish Police
9
Cops freed three young children from a house where they had been held captive since the pandemic
Credit: Solarpix
9
Christian Steffen, 53, has been arrested alongside his wife for alleged child abuse
Credit: Solarpix
Pictures from inside the
A harrowing drawing of a red screaming monster can be seen in the images, as well as a skull and crossbones - sparking fresh fears for the children's well being.
The young boys were found in horrific conditions - each wearing three face masks and forced to wear nappies and sleep in caged beds.
But despite the piles of rubbish inside the house it is thought that parents Christian, 53, and Melissa Steffen, 48, were terrified of germs getting into their home.
Advertisement
read more on Spain
Sources from the investigation told El Espanol: "They were obsessed with the idea that their children had serious illnesses and were going to die from the pandemic."
The couple were reportedly using air purifier machines throughout their home with at least 5 or 6 working at all hours of the day - in the master bedroom, the children's bedrooms, and the living room.
The family also racked up an extremely high water bill - despite only drinking bottled water.
This revelation sparked further concern as it is thought that the children may have been subjected to compulsive showers to avoid any germs.
Advertisement
Most read in The Sun
Breaking
The mum-of-three told cops the family had asked officials in Germany - where they lived previously - for permission to educate their kids at home after the initial Covid crisis.
The school responded with a warning that social services would be alerted if they took them out of school.
Connecticut woman who allegedly held stepson captive for over 20 years pleads not guilty
Instead the family decided to emigrate to Spain in an attempt to keep their children hidden away from the outside world.
A guest room in the house had been turned into a makeshift school for the children - where the boys had reportedly learned to read, write and draw.
Advertisement
Christian was reportedly the only one who was allowed to leave the house - but only for essential trips to the supermarket.
Not only were the children not allowed to leave the house they were also not allowed to use the bathroom when they wanted.
A source close to the ongoing investigation said: 'They had a timetable and a maximum number of times a day they could use the toilet because the rest of the time they had to wear nappies."
The young boys were reportedly suffering from "severe constipation" when they were discovered.
Advertisement
An unnamed investigator told Spanish media: 'The children's parents claimed the youngsters didn't know how to control their bowel movements but the paediatric report has shown that to be false.'
The parents also used black market medicines containing
cannabis
derivative THC to treat the kids for alleged deficit attention disorders which investigators say they are not even sure the youngsters were suffering.
The children were reportedly told to lower the blinds on their bedroom windows at 5.10pm each day after being allowed to raise them exactly halfway up the windows during daylight hours.
They had no television to watch or electronic games to play with and wore pyjamas all day and all night - and many neighbours have admitted they had no idea anyone was even living in the house.
Advertisement
The woman reportedly heard voices that sounded like children coming from the house despite never having seen anyone leave the house to play or go to school.
After several days of surveillance cops were clear that more than just the man they saw coming in and out had to live there.
The size of the boxes of food of the orders that the man brought into the home were the biggest giveaway.
But nothing could prepare the agents for what they would find when they entered the horror house.
Advertisement
The police said the house was full of rubbish and old medicines as well as filthy pet excrement and used tampons.
When they wanted to take them out of the building they did not even have shoes of their size as they had not bought shoes for years.
The police added that when the children were freed, one of them knelt on the grass and touched it with amazement.
An officer said: 'They touched the grass and breathed fresh air as if they had never done so before in their lives.
Advertisement
'They saw a snail and they were completely taken aback.'
9
The boys have now been placed under the guardianship of the Government of the Principality
9
The cops were horrified by what they found inside the house
9
The children were forbidden to leave the house
Advertisement
The chief commissioner of the Local Police of Oviedo, Francisco Javier Lozano explained the details of the operation leading to the arrest of the couple at 2.45pm on Monday.
The initial search of the house was reportedly made more difficult because Spain had been plunged into darkness by the electricity outrage.
When the cops knocked on the front door, the father answered but asked the officers to wait for a few minutes so the children could put their masks on.
One police officer told the Spanish press: "They were very scared and around the mother, who told us all the time that the little ones had serious pathologies and that we should not approach them.
Advertisement
"They had three masks each on top of each other. They were oblivious to any contact with reality."
Lozano added: "We have dismantled the house of horrors".
Having been checked out at the Central University Hospital of Asturias the children have now been placed under the guardianship of the Government of the Principality.
The boys' parents were arrested following the police raid and may face prison sentences of between five and seven years.
Advertisement
The couple are being investigated on suspicion of domestic violence, psychological mistreatment and child abandonment.
Christian reportedly worked as a freelance senior tech recruiter and HR manager, having obtained a doctorate in philosophy from Hamburg University.
He previously worked as a marketing consultant and head of a call centre at a telecommunications company.
The black and white photo of the dad was revealed on Friday by El Espanol.
Advertisement
9
The cops launched an investigation after a resident raised concerns that there may be people inside the house
Credit: EPA
9
The family's house in Oviedo, northern Spain
Credit: AFP
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Patients ‘isolated' and Covid-like alerts issued as surge of ‘disabling' virus in China sparks global outbreak fears
The virus can be 'extremely uncomfortable and disabling', with babies and older adults most at risk DEJA FLU? Patients 'isolated' and Covid-like alerts issued as surge of 'disabling' virus in China sparks global outbreak fears CHINESE officials have imposed Covid-like measures in parts of the country in an effort to curb surging cases of a "disabling" virus. More than 7,000 people have fallen ill with the mosquito-borne chickungunya virus, the largest outbreak of its kind ever to be documented in China, according to experts. Advertisement 6 An outbreak of chikungunya in China has sparked alarm, with authorities rushing to curb the virus Credit: Getty 6 Insecticide is being sprayed across cities like Foshan, where most cases have been reported Credit: Getty 6 Chikungunya is spread by infected mosquitoes Credit: Getty The virus's rapid spread is sparking fears of a global outbreak, with cases expected to continue increasing in the next few weeks. Most cases have been reported in the city of Foshan, in the southern province of Guangdong, with the authorities tackling the rise in cases with methods employed during the Covid pandemic. Infected patients are being kept in hospital for a minimum of one week. Authorities briefly enforced a two-week home quarantine, which was dropped since the disease is spread by mosquitoes and can't be transmitted between people. Advertisement Meanwhile, people who do not empty bottles, flower pots or other receptacles with standing water - which can attract mozzies - have been slapped with fines of up to 10,000 yuan (around £1,043) and have their electricity cut off. No deaths from the virus have been reported but at least 12 other cities in Guangdong have reported infections. At least 3,000 cases were detected over the past week, bringing the total to over 10,000 in the country. It comes after the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned last month that chickungunya could soon affect billions across the globe - as it tears through parts of the Indian Ocean and edges closer to Europe. Advertisement The health watchdog said it was seeing the same warning signs as in the last major outbreak two decades ago, when nearly half a million were infected worldwide. "We are seeing history repeating itself," said Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez, WHO's technical lead on the virus. Chikungunya is spread by infected mosquitoes and causes symptoms such as sudden high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, fatigue, rash, and headaches. Most people recover in a couple of weeks, but some people - especially older adults - may suffer from long-lasting arthritis-like joint pain. Advertisement Dr César López-Camacho, from the Jenner Institute at the University of Oxford, said: "Although chikungunya rarely causes death, it can be extremely uncomfortable and disabling. "The most vulnerable include the elderly, newborns, and people with underlying health conditions." 6 Drones are being sent out to hunt down insect breeding grounds Credit: Getty 6 A worker sprays insecticide in Foshan, Guangdong Province of China Credit: Getty Advertisement 6 Patient with joint deformities of the hands 6 years after confirmed chikungunya virus Chinese health authorities say cases are dropping off slowly, but Dr López-Camacho warned it is likely that chickunguya infections will continue to be reported for the next few weeks. He described the situation as a "significant outbreak". "With over 7,000 confirmed cases reported in Guangdong Province, this is the largest chikungunya outbreak ever documented in China," he added. Advertisement "Until now, the country had only recorded a few imported cases, with no sustained local transmission. Chikungunya: Signs and symptoms Chikungunya is a disease caused by the chikungunya virus, which spreads to humans through infected mosquitoes. Major outbreaks and scattered cases have been reported across the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Now, with smaller flare-ups starting to appear in Europe, it's important to be aware of the symptoms. Not everyone infected with chikungunya will show symptoms, but for those who do, symptoms typically begin 4 to 8 days after the bite of an infected mosquito and include: Sudden onset of high fever Severe joint pain (often debilitating) Joint swelling, especially in the hands, wrists, ankles, and feet Muscle pain Headache Nausea Fatigue Rash Most patients recover fully from chikungunya infection, although occasional cases can involve serious complications affecting the eyes, heart, or nervous system. Some can also be left with deformities. Newborns infected either during delivery or by mosquito bites shortly after birth, and older adults with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of severe disease. In such cases, hospitalisation may be necessary due to the risk of organ damage and even death. 'What makes this event notable is that chikungunya has never been established in mainland China before. "This suggests that most of the population had no pre-existing immunity, making it easier for the virus to spread quickly." Outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases tend to happen "in populations that are 'naive' to the virus, meaning people have not been previously exposed and are not protected", said Dr López-Camacho. Advertisement Authorities in China have deployed a series of preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus, spraying clouds of disinfectant around city streets, residential areas, construction sites and even sending out drones to hunt down insect breeding grounds. Heavy rains and high temperatures have worsened the situation in China. Chikungunya causes regular outbreaks in Africa, Asia and the Americas, and has also been spotted in Europe. As of July, there have been about 240,000 cases of chikungunya, including 90 deaths in 16 countries, according to the European Centres for Disease Prevention and Control. Advertisement The countries that reported the highest number of infections were Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina and Peru. How concerning is this outbreak? Though tactics adopted by authorities in China hark back to lockdown measures five years ago, chikungunya "does not pose the same level of pandemic threat as a virus like COVID-19", according to Prof Tom Solomon, director of The Pandemic Institute in Liverpool. Dr López-Camacho added: 'It is extremely unlikely to cause a pandemic in the traditional sense, as chikungunya does not spread from person to person. "However, it can cause large regional outbreaks, especially when introduced to mosquito-rich, low-immunity settings, like what we are probably seeing in China." Advertisement The risk to the UK from this outbreak is "currently low" as Aedes mosquitoes, which tend to carry the virus, aren't widespread here. "But we do need to watch closely, as climate change and global travel are expanding the range of these mosquitoes, and with it, the viruses they carry," Dr López-Camacho warned. 'It is also important that genetic sequencing of the virus in this outbreak is carried out. "In past outbreaks, mutations have helped chikungunya adapt to new mosquito species. Advertisement "If the virus has changed, we need to ensure current vaccines still offer protection." Brits travelling to China amidst the outbreak should "be cautious", the disease expert said. He continued: "The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 2 travel alert, recommending travellers use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and stay in screened or air-conditioned accommodation. "Travellers returning from affected areas who develop fever and joint pain should seek medical attention and mention their recent travel." Advertisement People travelling to high-risk areas where outbreaks of the virus often occur can get vaccinated against chikungunya at a travel clinic. But Prof Solomon noted: "There have been reports of serious side effects in people over the age of 65. "As such, the vaccine is currently recommended for travellers under 65 visiting high-risk areas."
Extra.ie
9 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Lockdowns and quarantines return as deadly virus spreads across China
A rampaging virus has seen thousands of people hospitalised across China, after they became seriously ill with a painful condition caused by mosquito bites. The overwhelming number of cases has prompted health authorities in parts of China to impose mass quarantines and lockdowns not seen since Covid, even though the virus is not spread by humans. The 'Chikungunya' virus spread rapidly to about 8,000 patients in just under four weeks, with most cases across China's Guangdong province to the south, with the city of Foshan hit the hardest. A mosquito having a bloody bite. But worryingly, Hong Kong's first case was confirmed Monday, and there are growing fears of a potential pandemic sweeping Asia. Infected people are already being sent to 'quarantine wards' in hospitals where they are recovering in beds covered by mosquito nets. They must remain in hospital for at least a week, unless they test negative for the virus before the seven-day quarantine ends. Chinese soldiers have been dousing public spaces with insecticide in an effort to curb any spread of the virus and authorities have begun releasing 'elephant mosquitoes' who devour the smaller, virus-carrying mosquitoes. GUANGZHOU, CHINA – JULY 30: A staff member carries out mosquito eradication work on a rooftop sewer on July 30, 2025 in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province of China. China's Guangdong Province has launched targeted measures, including citywide cleanup efforts, to effectively curb the spread of Chikungunya fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease. (Photo by Chen Chuhong/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images) Thousands of fish who feast on mosquitoes have also been released into public ponds in the city of Foshan. Media reports in China say residents have been told to remove any stagnant water from garden ponds or pools, where mosquitoes breed, and people may face huge fines if they fail to comply.
Irish Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Chikungunya virus symptoms, spread and what to know as 7,000 infected in China
A mosquito-borne virus that has infected more than 7,000 people across 13 cities in southern China is prompting measures similar to those taken during the Covid pandemic - despite not being contagious between humans. The chikungunya virus, which causes fever, joint pain, headaches and muscle aches, is spreading rapidly across Guangdong province, just north of Hong Kong. Chikungunya is typically uncommon in China, but infections soared after an imported case was detected in Foshan city on July 8, which has since become the worst-affected area, reports New York Times. In Foshan city patients diagnosed with chikungunya are required to remain in hospital under mosquito net protection and can only be discharged after testing negative or completing a mandatory week-long stay, according to a translation of Chinese news outlet NF News. Authorities in Guangdong are doing door-to-door inspections checking for stagnant water - where mosquitos breed - and warning that those who fail to comply can be fined or face criminal charges for "obstructing the prevention of infectious diseases", as outlined in a government flyer translated by the Times. A drone sprays insecticide on August 1, 2025 in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province of China (Image: China News Service via Getty Images) Other measures include releasing mosquito-eating fish into ponds, spraying pesticides, deploying drones to spot breeding sites and even introducing giant "elephant mosquitoes" whose larvae devour the virus-carrying kind. While the current outbreak is centred in Asia, Ireland has recorded a travel-related case of the virus in the past. According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), the most recent known Irish case was in 2016, involving a person who had recently returned from Kenya. Chikungunya is classed as a notifiable disease in Ireland - meaning health officials must report suspected cases to authorities. While it cannot be transmitted person-to-person, the virus can be passed to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which are usually found in the warmer parts of the world, especially Asia, the US and the Mediterranean Basin. What is Chikungunya? The HPSC said: "Chikungunya is a viral infection caused by the Chikungunya virus, an Alphavirus and member of the Togaviridae family. Chikungunya fever is a notifiable disease in Ireland." What are the symptoms ? The HPSC said: "The time between being bitten by an infected mosquito and developing symptoms ranges from 1 to 12 days, with an average of three to seven days. "The main symptoms are fever, joint pain, muscle pain and headache. Joint pains are a characteristic symptom. Bleeding from the nose or gums may happen, particularly in children. "While most cases recover without complications, some people may develop a more chronic phase with persistent joint pains. Recovery may take several weeks for these patients, coinciding with extreme tiredness. Younger people tend to recover in a matter of a one or two weeks while middle-aged and elderly tend to take one to three months for full recovery." How is it spread? The HPSC said: "Chikungunya fever is transmitted to humans by biting Aedes mosquitoes, such as A. aegypti, A. albopictus and A. polynesiensis. These are tropical and subtropical mosquitoes found in the warmer parts of the world, especially Asia, the United States and the Mediterranean Basin. " Where does it occur? The HPSC said: "Chikungunya is commonly found in East Africa, Southeast Asia and in the Indian sub-continent. In summer 2007, an outbreak was reported in the Emilia-Romagna region of North-East Italy, and this region is now considered an area where Chikungunya virus transmission takes place. The most recent cases of Chikungunya in Italy have occurred between June and October 2017 in Rome, the coastal region of Anzio and Latina. "One case of chikungunya was reported in Ireland during 2016, with a recent travel history to Kenya." What do I need to do if I visit an area with Chikungunya? The HPSC said: "Travellers to affected areas are advised to prevent mosquito bites. Pregnant women, immunosuppressed people and people suffering from a severe chronic illness should consult their physicians prior to the travel in order to assess their risk and get recommendations on personal preventive measures. "All travellers to countries where Chikungunya occurs should take the following steps to prevent mosquito bites: Use of anti-mosquito devices (insecticide-treated bed nets, spray, repellents) Mosquito repellent based on a 30% DEET concentration is recommended. Pregnant women and children under the age of 12 years should consult a physician or pharmacist before use. For newborn children under three months, repellents are not recommended and insecticide-treated bed nets and protective clothing should be used instead. Wear long sleeves and trousers." .Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
