West Nile virus cases rise in Seville, prompting expanded alert area

The Andalusian health authorities reported two additional West Nile virus infections in the municipalities of Puebla del Río and Coria del Río, bringing the regional total to 11 confirmed cases for the 2026 season. Both patients, a man and a woman, remain hospitalized and were diagnosed by the reference laboratory at Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío.

In response, the Junta de Andalucía has extended the official alert zones for Puebla del Río and Coria del Río until 21 and 23 August respectively and has declared a city‑wide alert for Seville after a 71‑year‑old man from the Tablada neighbourhood developed neurological symptoms, a complication seen in less than 1 % of infections. The alert triggers intensified mosquito‑vector surveillance, control measures, public‑health advisories, and heightened monitoring of blood donors across the 17 municipalities currently under alert.

The regional health directorate will activate the maximum operational level of its Vector Surveillance and Control Plan in August, aiming to curb the spread of the Culex perexiguus mosquito that has shown increased abundance this year.