Almería and Málaga city join West Nile virus alert as Andalucía’s cases climb to 47

The West Nile virus outbreak in Andalucía has expanded, with the number of confirmed cases reaching 47 as of now, up from 19 in mid-June. The virus, primarily spread by mosquitoes, was initially limited to rural areas of Sevilla, but has now spread to Almería and Málaga city. Of the 47 cases, 32 have experienced mild symptoms and 15 developed the more serious neuroinvasive form, which can be life-threatening, especially for older or vulnerable patients.

Seven people are currently hospitalized, with seven still receiving treatment. One death has been recorded, an 82-year-old from Dos Hermanas who died from meningoencephalitis, a severe swelling of the brain caused by the virus. The alert list has grown from 19 municipalities to 27 across seven provinces. Huelva, previously without any confirmed cases, has now seen one case, while Sevilla accounts for every other case, with 46 of the 47 total.

Villamanrique de la Condesa has the highest concentration of cases, with 10 confirmed. No human cases have been confirmed in Pulpí in Almería and Algodonales in Cádiz, but the alert status remains due to the virus being detected in mosquito traps. The Junta de Andalucía has advised residents in these areas to take extra precautions against mosquito bites.

National health data shows around eight in 10 West Nile virus cases are asymptomatic, but those who do fall ill typically experience fever, headache, and body aches that subside within days. A small percentage develop neuroinvasive disease, which can lead to severe complications. The Zoobotánico Alberto Durán in Jerez de la Frontera closed temporarily after two golden eagles and a cassowary tested positive, leading to a specific health alert for Jerez until September 16.