Andalucia has confirmed another human case of West Nile virus, bringing the total number of infections so far this season to 14.

Health officials said the latest patient is a man from Dos Hermanas, in Sevilla province, who has developed meningoencephalitis and remains in hospital.

The Junta has now declared Dos Hermanas an alert area until August 30, triggering enhanced mosquito surveillance, human and animal monitoring, and increased public health measures.

A second case, confirmed on Saturday in La Puebla del Rio, also contributed to the latest rise in infections, although authorities said there was no need to extend the municipality’s existing alert period.

The two cases were confirmed by the reference laboratory at Virgen del Rocío University Hospital in Sevilla.

The latest diagnoses mean 14 people have now contracted the virus in Andalucia this year, including nine mild cases and five neuroinvasive infections, the most serious form of the disease.

Authorities have also expanded the list of municipalities under alert to 19, with Dos Hermanas joining a growing number of affected areas.

The alert areas now include Fuengirola and Las Lagunas-Mijas in Malaga province, alongside Salobreña (Granada), Torredonjimeno and Lopera (Jaen), and numerous municipalities in Sevilla province including Sevilla city, Coria del Rio, La Puebla del Rio, Palomares del Rio, Bollullos de la Mitacion and Villamanrique de la Condesa.

Health authorities said the alert status requires local councils to intensify mosquito control measures within populated areas and up to 1.5km around known breeding sites.

Surveillance has also detected West Nile virus in mosquitoes in multiple locations across Andalucia, including Las Lagunas in Mijas, while mosquito numbers have increased significantly in several municipalities.

So far this season, more than 3,800 mosquito samples have been analysed from 216 active traps, while 298 suspected human cases have undergone laboratory testing.

The Junta said 122 municipalities across Andalucia are currently classified as being at high risk for West Nile virus, including 11 in Malaga province.

Officials are continuing to urge residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using approved insect repellents, wearing long, light-coloured clothing, installing mosquito screens, eliminating standing water around homes and avoiding strong perfumes, which can attract mosquitoes.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.