Spain is on high alert after infected mosquitoes carrying a deadly virus were found in three towns within a region loved by British tourists and expats. Swarms of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been found buzzing around Andalusia.
Health chiefs confirmed the bloodsuckers carrying the potentially deadly disease were trapped in El Castillo de las Guardas and Villamanrique de la Condesa in Seville as well as Moguer, Huelva. These three municipalities have now been slapped with a “high risk” warning. The West Nile Virus pathogen causes an asymptomatic infection in most cases, but can also cause severe illness and death.
Alarm bells are now ringing as four other areas remain under surveillance: Huelva city (until October 2), El Pedroso in Sevilla (until September 26), plus the Almeria towns of Pulpi (until September 24) and Mojacar (until September 10).
So far, no human cases have been confirmed in the area despite 274 people being tested.
Public health officials are advising residents and visitors to take precautionary steps against mosquito bites, particularly during the late summer months when the risk is highest.
Recommendations include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers in mosquito-prone areas, and limiting outdoor activity at dusk and dawn.
According to the World Health Organization, around 80% of people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. Of those who do, most experience mild illness known as West Nile fever, which can include fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, nausea, or rash.
West Nile Fever is an animal-origin infection caused by certain strains of the West Nile Virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, mainly of the genus Culex. This virus is maintained through a mosquito-bird-mosquito transmission cycle, with birds able to harbour the pathogen and transmit it.
In contrast, humans and horses are considered final hosts, meaning they do not transmit the disease but can suffer from it. There is currently no licensed vaccine available for human use against West Nile Virus.