Andalusia reports first West Nile fatality, expands mosquito control

An 82‑year‑old man from Dos Hermanas, Sevilla, died of meningoencephalitis caused by West Nile virus, marking the first fatality in Andalusia this season. The regional health authority confirmed 17 infections, most of them in the province of Sevilla, and declared 19 municipalities as alert zones.

Local governments have intensified vector‑control actions. The Sevilla provincial council launched an aerial ultra‑low‑volume biocide program targeting adult mosquitoes in high‑risk areas such as Isla Mayor and surrounding towns. The municipality of La Línea de la Concepción issued a public health notice urging residents to eliminate standing water and use repellents. Meanwhile, the province of Cádiz reported no positive mosquito samples, keeping its alert level low.

Extremadura, a neighbouring autonomous community, activated a reinforced surveillance network with fixed and mobile traps to monitor Culex mosquitoes, though no human cases have been detected there yet. Health officials continue to advise the public to use screens, wear protective clothing, and remove potential breeding sites.