The number of West Nile virus cases in Andalucia has risen to 16 after two new infections were confirmed in Sevilla province.
The latest human cases were detected in Villamanrique de la Condesa and Coria del Rio, the Junta de Andalucia said on Tuesday.
Despite the increase, officials stressed that the majority of cases this year have been mild and have not required hospital treatment.
Of the 16 confirmed infections, 11 have been classified as mild, while five have been neuroinvasive cases – the most serious form of the disease.
Health authorities say this year’s higher case count does not necessarily indicate a more severe outbreak than in 2025, as mild infections are now being included in official statistics for the first time as part of an enhanced surveillance programme aimed at detecting the virus earlier.
According to the Junta, 298 laboratory investigations have been carried out so far this season, alongside testing for arboviruses in 107 patients with viral meningitis and more than 2,000 blood donor screenings, all of which have returned negative results.
Nicola Lorusso, director of Andalucia’s Public Health Surveillance and Response Strategy (AVISTA), said the increase in mild cases reflected both wider circulation of the virus and improved detection.
‘The majority of cases have been mild and have not required hospital admission, which partly explains the increase in reported infections this year,’ he said.
Lorusso added that infected mosquitoes or birds have now been detected in every Andalucian province except Cadiz, highlighting the wider spread of the virus compared with previous years.
However, all 16 confirmed human cases have so far been recorded in Sevilla province.
He described Sevilla as the current epicentre of the outbreak, noting that around 80% of Andalucia’s municipalities currently under West Nile virus alert are located there.
There are now 19 municipalities under official alert across Andalucia, including Fuengirola and Las Lagunas-Mijas in Malaga province, where enhanced mosquito surveillance and control measures remain in place despite no confirmed human infections.
How to protect yourself from West Nile virus
Most people experience no symptoms or only mild fever, but in rare cases it can lead to serious illness, particularly among older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
With cases confirmed again this season in Andalucia, here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.
1. Avoid mosquito bites
- Use repellent: Apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Cover up: Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers if you’re near water or outdoors in the evening.
- Use barriers: Fit windows and doors with screens, and use mosquito nets if you sleep with windows open.
2. Eliminate breeding sites
- Remove standing water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Empty flowerpot trays, buckets, birdbaths, gutters, and pet bowls regularly.
- Maintain pools and ponds: Keep water treated and circulating to stop mosquitoes from laying eggs.
- Check your garden: Even small containers, tyres, or clogged drains can host larvae.
3. Protect your home and family
- Use fans indoors and outdoors: Mosquitoes are weak fliers; fans help keep them away.
- Protect children and vulnerable groups: Use mosquito nets on prams and beds, and apply age-appropriate repellents.
- Pets and horses: The virus can affect animals, especially horses. Consult vets about preventive measures.
4. Be extra vigilant in high-risk areas
The Junta de Andalucia publishes updates on towns at ‘high risk’ or ‘alert’ status for West Nile activity. If you live in or travel to these municipalities, take extra precautions.
5. What to do if you feel unwell
Most infections are mild, but symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, or rash.
In rare cases, serious illness with neurological complications may occur. If you develop unusual symptoms after mosquito bites, especially severe headaches or confusion, seek medical help immediately.
