Extremadura to monitor West Nile virus via mosquito traps

The Extremadura Health Service (SES) and the University of Extremadura (UEx) are launching a surveillance network to monitor the West Nile virus. The initiative involves installing mosquito traps at 11 locations across the region to detect the virus in insects before human cases emerge.

Funded by a 48,700 euro investment from the SES, the program will allow for the analysis of captured specimens to identify species and virus circulation. This measure follows a significant rise in reported cases in Extremadura, which grew from 13 cases in 2023 to 39 in 2025.

The SES will manage the installation and biweekly replacement of traps, transporting captured insects to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for study. Trap locations will be selected by the General Directorate of Public Health based on mosquito presence and prevention needs.