West Nile virus can cause serious brain and spinal cord inflammation – encephalitis and meningitis which can be fatal
14:44, 09 Sep 2025Updated 14:49, 09 Sep 2025
Crowded beach at Los Lances, Tarifa, Costa de la Luz, Cadiz, Andalusia, Southern Spain. An alert has been issued for West Nile Virus in the area (Image: Getty Images)
Emergency plans are being formulated in 41 Spanish towns following an alert for a severe virus transmitted by mosquitoes. The local authorities have identified areas of concern after detecting infected insects, indicating a risk that locals and tourists could contract the West Nile virus (WNV).
The majority of those infected will not exhibit any symptoms, but approximately 1 in 5 may experience fever, rash, and muscle aches. In some instances, West Nile can lead to serious inflammation of the brain and spinal cord – encephalitis and meningitis, which can be potentially fatal.
The Directorate-General for Public Health and Pharmaceutical Regulation of the Regional Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs of the Regional Government of Andalusia has placed Benalup-Casas Viejas on alert after confirming the presence of the West Nile virus in mosquitoes captured during the testing programme.
In Andalusia, the Regional Ministry of Health has declared the municipality an alert area for four weeks – until 5 October – unless there is evidence of new circulation of the West Nile virus.
25 towns in Cadiz that are at medium risk from West Nile virus:
- Alcalá del Valle
- Algar
- Arcos de la Frontera
- Bornos
- Cádiz
- Castellar de la Frontera
- Chiclana de la Frontera
- Chipiona
- Conil de la Frontera
- El Bosque
- El Gastor
- El Puerto de Santa María
- Espera
- Jimena de la Frontera
- La Línea de la Concepción
- Olvera
- Paterna de Rivera
- Rota
- San Fernando
- San Martín del Tesorillo
- San Roque
- Sanlúcar de Barrameda
- Torre Alháquime
- Trebujena
- Zahara
16 towns at high risk for West Nile virus in Andalucia:
- Alcalá de los Gazules
- Algeciras
- Algodonales
- Barbate
- Benalup-Casas Viejas
- Jerez de la Frontera
- Los Barrios
- Medina-Sidonia
- Prado del Rey
- Puerto Real
- Puerto Serrano
- San José del Valle
- Tarifa, Ubrique
- Vejer de la Frontera
- Villamartín
The new alert status enforces measures for the next four weeks – or until no new cases are reported or the virus is detected in mosquitoes, birds or horses in this territory for an equivalent period. This involves intensifying the three types of surveillance (entomological, animal and human) in the area, activating promotional activities in educational centres and residences in the surrounding area, and strengthening communication with the public through community pharmacies and nursing services so that they take the necessary protective measures against WNV.
The local administration has been instructed to ramp up measures to control and treat mosquitoes that transmit the disease while the area is on alert. The Regional Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs of the Regional Government of Andalusia, has also confirmed the circulation of the Nile virus in mosquitoes in La Puebla de los Infantes (Seville), for the second time, and Barbate, in both cases in traps more than 1.5 kilometres from the population centre, meaning that the two municipalities remain at high risk.
How to avoid getting WNV
The Directorate-General for Public Health and Pharmaceutical Regulation has advised tourists and residents to use registered topical mosquito repellents, cover most of the body with light-coloured clothing, avoid strong smells (perfumes, scented soaps, etc. ) because they attract mosquitoes, and try not to go out at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
Health officials are urging the public to bolster their home defences against mosquitoes by installing nets, using household insecticides and environmental repellents, and switching off lights when not in use as they attract these pests.
Another crucial step is to eliminate any standing water, which serves as a breeding ground for mosquito larvae. This includes maintaining ponds, swimming pools, and laundry areas properly, and draining any unnoticed water accumulation in gardens, flower pots, toys, or buckets.
According to the risk map created by the Andalusian Regional Government’s Programme for the Surveillance and Comprehensive Control of West Nile Fever (WNF) Vectors, Cádiz ranks second in the list of provinces with the highest number of affected municipalities.