- British tourists have been issued a holiday warning as two coastal towns on Spain's Costa del Sol, Fuengirola and Mijas, have been placed on red alert following the discovery of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus.
- The alert comes after disease-carrying mosquitoes were identified in the area, prompting Spanish authorities to intensify monitoring efforts and launch community awareness campaigns.
- Spain's health ministry has confirmed five cases of West Nile fever this season, with the most recent case described as 'mild' and originating from Coria del Río.
- The latest patient, a man from Coria del Río, first showed symptoms on July 17, with laboratory results confirming the diagnosis shortly thereafter.
- The health ministry has decided to extend the alert period for Coria del Río until August 14.
- As of July 22, the ECDC reported 35 affected areas across six nations with a total of 81 locally acquired cases.
- Previous years have seen at least 10 deaths from West Nile virus in Andalusia, raising concerns ahead of the peak summer holiday season.
- No licensed vaccine currently exists for humans infected with the West Nile virus, with treatment limited to symptom management and hospital-based supportive care for serious cases.
- Most people infected with West Nile virus, around 70 to 80%, develop no symptoms, but those with symptoms should seek medical attention if they experience a high fever, rash, or neck stiffness.
British tourists are on alert as Fuengirola and Mijas, popular Costa del Sol destinations, face a red alert due to West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes. The Spanish health ministry has confirmed five cases this season, with heightened surveillance and public health warnings now in effect.1
The alert follows the identification of disease-carrying mosquitoes, prompting authorities to intensify monitoring and launch community awareness campaigns. At least 10 deaths from the virus have been reported in previous years in Andalusia, raising concerns as the summer holiday season peaks.27
A health department spokesman stated, 'The ministry has decided to extend until August 14 the period of alert area of this Sevillian municipality.' Currently, 15 municipalities across Andalusia are designated alert zones, including Bollullos de la Mitacin and Coria del Ro.5
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 35 affected areas across six nations have been identified, with 81 locally acquired human infections reported. Italy has the largest share, with over half of all cases.
The UK Health Security Agency reported over 750 cases of mosquito-borne illnesses in the UK since January, all acquired abroad. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, emphasized the importance of preventive measures, stating, 'Simple steps like covering up, using insect repellent and clearing stagnant water around the home can make a real difference.' There is currently no licensed vaccine for humans, and treatment is limited to symptom management.8
“Fifteen municipalities across Andalusia are now designated alert zones, with the health ministry extending the warning for Coria del Río until August 14. Italy accounts for the largest share of 81 locally acquired human cases recorded across six nations as of July 22.”
GB News
The Sun
