Andalusia declares alert in multiple regions over West Nile Virus

The Junta de Andalucía has declared several areas in alert status following the detection of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes. The affected municipalities include Huelva capital, La Luisiana and Las Navas de la Concepción in Seville, Alhaurín de la Torre in Málaga, and Lucena in Córdoba. These alerts were triggered after the virus was identified in mosquito traps located within 1.5 kilometers of urban centers.

In Andalusia, 63 human cases of West Nile fever have been diagnosed this season, including 25 neuroinvasive cases and two deaths. The virus has also been detected in wild birds and equines. The alert status mandates intensified entomological, animal, and human surveillance, as well as increased mosquito control and treatment measures by local authorities.

Health officials recommend that the public adopt self-protection measures, such as using registered topical repellents, wearing light-colored clothing, and installing mosquito nets to prevent bites, particularly for vulnerable populations.