Almería health authorities deploy ~100 inspectors for West Nile virus mosquito surveillance

In the Spanish province of Almería, nearly one hundred public‑health agents are taking part each season in the Integrated Surveillance and Vector Control Programme for West Nile fever. The programme, run by the Andalusian Health Ministry, installs about 120 mosquito traps across high‑ and medium‑risk municipalities. Traps operate nightly, attracting Culex pipiens and Culex perexiguus, the main vectors of the virus, and are checked weekly. Captured specimens are identified, pooled and tested by RT‑PCR to detect West Nile virus RNA, allowing authorities to act before human cases appear.

Public‑health officials also advise the public on personal preventive measures: using insect repellents, wearing long‑sleeved clothing, and eliminating standing water around homes to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Elderly individuals and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of severe disease.

These coordinated actions aim to monitor virus circulation in mosquitoes and minimise the risk of West Nile infections among residents.