Residents in Cartama have been urged to take precautions against mosquito bites after the detection of West Nile virus.
The town hall has joined an information campaign launched by the Junta de Andalucia’s health ministry, issuing a series of recommendations designed to protect residents from mosquitoes and reduce breeding grounds around homes.
It comes after the Junta declared Cartama a West Nile virus alert area until September 22, following a positive result from a mosquito surveillance sample.
The council has already activated its municipal surveillance and vector-control plan and is stepping up inspections and treatment of potential mosquito breeding sites.
Authorities stressed that around 80% of people infected with West Nile virus develop no symptoms, while most of those who do become ill experience relatively mild, flu-like symptoms.
In a small number of cases, however, the virus can cause serious neurological illness and can be fatal.
What residents are being told to do
Cartama Town Hall said preventing mosquito bites is the most important way for residents to protect themselves.
People are being advised to install mosquito screens on windows and doors and wear light-coloured clothing that covers as much skin as possible, particularly around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes tend to be most active.
Residents should also use registered mosquito repellents when spending time in areas where the insects are prevalent, particularly at dawn, dusk and during the night.
The council has placed particular emphasis on eliminating standing water, which provides ideal conditions for mosquitoes to reproduce.
Pools, water tanks and washing areas should be properly maintained, while residents should regularly empty water from objects including plant pots, buckets and children’s toys.
Waste or other items capable of collecting rainwater should also be removed.
Those using insecticide sprays indoors are advised to ensure they are approved for domestic use and to ventilate rooms thoroughly afterwards.
Gardens can provide shelter for mosquitoes
The council has also warned that gardens containing large amounts of vegetation can provide ideal daytime shelter for adult mosquitoes.
Hedges, shrubs and plant pots can offer protection from the heat, while homes that make greater use of outdoor areas and keep interiors more open may experience more mosquitoes indoors.
Residents have therefore been asked to pay particular attention to shaded and heavily vegetated areas around their properties.
West Nile virus is primarily maintained in nature through a cycle involving birds and mosquitoes, although humans, horses and other mammals can also become infected.
The council stressed that residents can significantly reduce their risk by following the preventative measures, saying that avoiding mosquito bites remains the principal defence against infection.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
