The Andalusian health authorities have officially declared parts of the Costa del Sol a West Nile virus alert zone for the first time this year. The areas affected are the coastal town of Fuengirola and Las Lagunas, a district within the municipality of Mijas. The decision follows the detection of the virus in mosquitoes as part of the region’s ongoing surveillance programme. For holidaymakers and residents, the alert means that increased precautions are advised – but according to the authorities, there is no reason for panic.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
Virus detected in mosquito traps
The alert level was activated after mosquito specimens carrying the West Nile virus were detected in a mosquito trap on the Costa del Sol. The virus naturally circulates mainly between wild birds and mosquitoes. Humans and horses can become infected through the bite of an infected mosquito, but they are considered so-called dead-end hosts and do not play a significant role in the further spread of the virus.
With the classification as an alert area, monitoring measures have been significantly expanded. In addition to more intensive surveillance of mosquito populations, animals are also being monitored, and the public is receiving increased information about protective measures. At the same time, the affected municipalities are required to considerably step up mosquito control efforts.
No human infections reported in Málaga province
Despite the positive detection of the virus in mosquitoes, there are currently no confirmed cases of West Nile virus infection in humans in Málaga province. All cases reported so far have been recorded in Seville province.
According to health authorities, five human cases of West Nile virus infection have been confirmed in Andalusia so far this season. All of these cases have involved mild symptoms. The most recent case concerns a man from Coria del Río, whose infection was confirmed by PCR testing at the end of July.
Alert to remain in place for at least four weeks initially
The current alert level will remain in place for an initial period of at least four weeks. The warning can only be lifted if, during this period, no further virus detections are found in mosquitoes and no infections are identified among birds, horses or humans.
At the same time, the municipalities of Fuengirola and Mijas are required to take strict measures to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. This includes removing standing water as well as treating areas where adult mosquitoes are known to gather. The measures also extend to areas within a radius of up to 1.5 kilometres around residential zones.
What is the West Nile virus?
The West Nile virus belongs to the flavivirus family and is transmitted almost exclusively through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Direct transmission from person to person does not occur in everyday life.
Most infections are harmless, however, with around 80 per cent of those affected developing no symptoms at all. Approximately one in five infected people experience a usually mild, flu-like illness. Typical symptoms include fever, headaches, aching limbs, pronounced fatigue, muscle pain and, in some cases, a skin rash. Only in rare instances can the virus lead to serious neurological conditions such as encephalitis or meningitis. Such complications mainly affect older people and those with weakened immune systems.
Authorities urge people to take precautionary measures
Health authorities are urging both residents and holidaymakers to take consistent measures to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Particular care should be taken in the early morning hours and at dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, by ensuring effective protection is in place.
The use of approved mosquito repellents and wearing long, preferably light-coloured clothing are recommended. In addition, mosquito nets on windows and doors can help keep mosquitoes out of living spaces. Standing water in gardens, on balconies or in plant pots should also be avoided wherever possible, as it provides ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Using insect protection measures indoors can further reduce the risk of additional mosquito bites.
Anyone who develops a high fever or neurological symptoms such as severe headaches, confusion or a stiff neck after a mosquito bite should seek medical advice as a precaution.
15 municipalities in Andalusia already affected
With the addition of Fuengirola and Las Lagunas, the number of municipalities in Andalusia under an official West Nile virus warning has risen to 15. Most of the affected areas are still located in Seville province. In addition, virus detections have already been recorded in parts of the provinces of Almería, Granada, Jaén, Córdoba and Málaga.
The regional government is monitoring the situation through a network of more than 200 mosquito traps, which are regularly analysed. The aim is to detect any potential virus circulation at an early stage and implement countermeasures before larger outbreaks can occur.
No reason to cancel your holiday
According to the authorities, there is currently no reason to cancel trips to the Costa del Sol. The alert level is primarily a precautionary measure and does not mean that holidaymakers face an increased risk of infection.
As no human infections have been recorded in Málaga province so far and the vast majority of infections are asymptomatic, experts consider the situation to be under control. Nevertheless, they recommend following general mosquito protection measures consistently, especially during the summer months.
