The Health of Andalusia reported this Monday that during the last week eight new cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have been confirmed. The infections were registered in two people from Coria del Río, two from Utrera, one from Two Sisters, one from Gelves, one from Guillena and one from San Juan de Aznalfarache. Of these cases, five have already been released.
Furthermore, the presence of WNV was detected in mosquito captures carried out in several Sevillian municipalities, including Almensilla, Bollullos de la Mitación, Gelves, Los Palacios and Villafranca, and Villamanrique de la Condesa. Infected mosquitoes have also been found in municipalities of Cádiz such as Barbate, Benalup-Casas Viejas and Tarifa, as well as in Malaga.
Doñana Biological Stationbelonging to Higher Center for Scientific Research (CSIC), localized VNO in captured mosquitoes rural areas such as Dehesa de Abajo, Pinares de Colina and in towns like La Puebla del Río and Palomares del Río. For its part, the Mosquito Control Service of the Provincial Council of Huelva detected the presence of the virus in traps located in the Marismas del Odiel Natural Park, in the municipality of Huelva.
Cases in animals
It has also been confirmed WNV infection in four horses: one in the Cadiz municipality of Ubrique and three in the province of Seville (in Constantina, El Coronil and Palomares del Río), according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
Faced with this situation, the town halls concerned have been informed. public health measures that must be adopted significantly reduce the risk of transmission of the virus to the population. These measures are part of the overall programme for monitoring and controlling disease-transmitting vectors. West Nile fever in Andalusia. In addition, continuous monitoring of mosquito surveillance and control activities is maintained, carried out by specialized companies under contract with the Provincial Councils of Cadiz and Seville. Field checks and weekly meetings are conducted with the town halls and companies concerned.
The weekly report from Public Health indicates that the densities of female mosquitoes potentially transmitting the virus are found at high levels in Los Palacios and Villafranca and in the rural areas of La Puebla del Río. In other municipalities such as Las Cabezas de San Juan, Villamanrique de la Condesa, Benalup-Casas Viejas, Vejer de la Frontera and Montalbán, densities are average.
Recommended precautions
West Nile Virus It is a zoonosis transmitted mainly by mosquitoes of the genus Culex, affecting birds in their natural cycle. Humans and other mammals can be accidentally infected, although they do not transmit the virus. About 80% of human infections are asymptomatic, but in some cases, particularly in the elderly or immunocompromised, may develop fever and neuroinvasive disease.
In Andalusia, Doñana Biological Station manages seven trapping stations in the province of Seville, while the Arboprevent project, which covers the provinces of Seville, Huelva and Cádiz, includes 800 sampling points. The Mosquito Control Service of the Provincial Council of Huelva operates 23 trapping stations in this province. These surveillance activities are coordinated with the surveillance programs for horses and birds, managed by the regional authorities of animal health and wildlife.
The situation remains under close surveillance. by the authorities, who continue to work to minimize the impact of this virus and protect public health in Andalusia.
