- The Andalusian government has declared a West Nile virus alert in Fuengirola and Las Lagunas de Mijas after detecting virus-carrying mosquitoes in traps.
- This alert status will remain in effect for a minimum of four weeks, until at least August 21.
- The fifth human case of West Nile virus in Andalucia was confirmed in a man from Coria del Río, with symptoms starting on July 17 and PCR confirmation on July 24.
- The alert status for Coria del Río has been extended until August 14.
- The regional government has identified fifteen municipalities in Andalucia as areas on alert for the West Nile virus, including Bollullos de la Mitacin, Fuengirola, and Las Lagunas.
- The regional health offices have informed local councils about the situation, emphasizing the need for intensified mosquito control measures.
- In total, nine councils in Malaga province are currently at high risk for the West Nile virus this season.
The Andalusian government has declared a West Nile virus alert in Fuengirola and Las Lagunas de Mijas after confirming a fifth case in the region. The alert will last for at least four weeks, until August 21, as health officials respond to the rising threat from virus-carrying mosquitoes.126
Health chiefs detected the virus in mosquito traps, prompting the alert status in these municipalities. Fifteen municipalities across Andalusia are now on alert, including Bollullos de la Mitacin and Coria del Ro, with a total of five confirmed infections this season.
The regional health offices have mandated that local authorities intensify mosquito control measures under their Municipal Plans for Surveillance and Control of Vectors. Nine councils in Malaga province are already at high risk, while 65 towns remain at medium risk and 28 at low risk.78
Since the start of the high mosquito density period, 3,310 tests have been conducted on 213 traps, all of which have tested positive for the virus. The regional government has deployed 120 traps to monitor mosquito populations, focusing on the Culex genus, which includes the primary vectors of the virus.
In response to the situation, the regional authority is enhancing surveillance efforts, launching community awareness initiatives, and reinforcing public communication through pharmacies and health centers. Authorities are committed to controlling the spread of the virus while ensuring public safety during this alert period.
“The alert status will remain in force for a minimum of four weeks, until at least August 21, with intensified mosquito control and surveillance measures required. The region has now confirmed five human cases this season, including a man in Coria del Río who tested positive on July 24, and nine towns in Malaga province are already at high risk.”
Euro Weekly News
Sur in English
