West Nile virus case confirmed in Alicante, Spain

Spain’s health authorities confirmed a West Nile virus infection in a 53‑year‑old man from the province of Alicante. The patient tested positive by PCR on 1 July, was hospitalised for several days and has now been discharged to continue recovery at home.

The Regional Health Department of the Comunitat Valenciana highlighted that about 80 % of West Nile infections are asymptomatic, while less than 1 % can develop severe neurological complications such as encephalitis or meningitis, especially in older or immunocompromised individuals. The virus is transmitted mainly by bites of Culex mosquitoes, with birds serving as the primary reservoir.

In response, the authorities have intensified vector‑borne disease surveillance, activating the regional Entomological Monitoring Network and conducting targeted mosquito inspections around the residence of the confirmed case. Public health recommendations include wearing protective clothing, using approved repellents, installing window screens and avoiding outdoor activity during peak mosquito activity.