The Junta de Andalucia has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) this year in the province of Sevilla, with a second suspected infection currently under investigation.
The Regional Minister for Health Antonio Sanz provided the update on Thursday during a parliamentary committee session.
He explained that the region’s Epidemiological Surveillance System (SVEA) had identified a confirmed case in Moron de la Frontera, and was analysing another possible infection in La Rinconada.
The confirmed patient in Moron is suffering from viral meningitis caused by West Nile virus.
Symptoms began on Tuesday, and the patient is reportedly recovering well. The second individual, in La Rinconada, remains hospitalised at Virgen Macarena University Hospital while further tests are being carried out.
Following the diagnosis, Moron has been placed under a four-week alert status until November 26.
Health authorities are also assessing the situation in La Rinconada. Two other municipalities in Sevilla province – Utrera and Benacazon – remain at high risk, after the virus was recently detected in mosquitoes collected by the regional surveillance network.
So far in 2025, two confirmed cases of West Nile virus have been recorded in Andalucia: one in Mojacar (Almeria) earlier this year and this latest case in Moron.
A third case, in La Rinconada, is still being investigated, while a probable case has been reported in Andújar (Jaen).
According to Sanz, both confirmed patients have recovered without lasting complications.
The minister highlighted the significant drop in human cases compared to 2024, which saw 109 infections and 11 deaths across the region.
He credited the fall to increased public awareness and better coordination between local authorities.
