The virus can be transmitted to humans via mosquitoes
A plane taking off at sunset(Image: PA)
Spanish health officials have confirmed the presence of the potentially deadly West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes, which have been caught just metres from people’s homes in the Malaga neighbourhood of Tarajal, a region you can fly to from Liverpool. An alert was triggered after lab analysis confirmed the presence of the virus in mosquito samples collected from traps.
The alert targets the Tarajal neighbourhood following the detection of WNV in Culex mosquitoes. The same alert level has also been declared in Tahivilla, a district of Tarifa in Cadiz, and in the Sevilla municipality of La Luisiana. The lab findings were submitted to the Andalucian Health and Consumer Affairs Department, which then made the declaration.
According to news site Spanisheye.com: “Following an epidemiological assessment – taking into account proximity to populated areas and environmental conditions – the Health Department applied the protocol outlined in Andalucia’s West Nile Virus Surveillance and Vector Control Programme.
“As a result, the affected zones will remain under alert for a minimum of four weeks, or until no further virus activity is detected in mosquitoes, birds, or horses. The alert is set to remain in place until at least November 5, unless earlier clearance is confirmed.”
Although the reservoir of WNV is birds, the virus can be transmitted to humans via mosquitoes. WNV was first detected in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937. The first large outbreak in Europe occurred in Romania in 1996. In Europe, cases have been identified in several countries including France, Italy and Portugal.
To date, there are no known cases of locally acquired WNV in the UK, although there have been a small number of travel-associated cases. West Nile virus (WNV) belongs to a family of viruses called Flaviviridae, along with other viruses such as dengue and yellow fever.
WNV circulates from birds to mosquitoes through bird-biting mosquitoes, known as enzootic vectors, notably Culex pipiens. The probability of a human outbreak of WNV in the UK is currently considered, at most, very low, according to guidance by Gov.uk.
The incubation period from mosquito bite to onset of WNV disease symptoms is typically 2–6 days but ranges from 2–14 days and may be longer in immunocompromised patients. West Nile virus can result in mild illness with flu-like symptoms or severe illness that affects the central nervous system or results in hospitalization or death.
There is no treatment for West Nile virus disease (West Nile). Rest, fluids, and pain medications may relieve symptoms. Most people (80%) infected do not develop symptoms, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says.
Local councils and provincial authorities in Malaga, Cadiz, and Sevilla have been formally notified of the situation. During the alert period, health authorities will ramp up monitoring efforts in three key areas:
- Mosquito surveillance (entomological)
- Animal surveillance, particularly of horses and birds
- Human health monitoring
Spanish Eye says: “Public awareness campaigns will also be stepped up. Schools, care homes, pharmacies, and community health workers will help inform residents about the virus and promote protective measures, such as using insect repellent and minimising standing water.
“In a related development, a case of West Nile fever has also been detected in Antequera (Malaga), after a horse tested positive. The horse was stabled more than 1.5 km from residential areas, so while the virus is confirmed to be circulating, the risk level in that specific area remains high but contained.”