An 81-year-old has become the third person to die from West Nile virus in Andalucia this year.
The man, a resident of Tomares in Sevilla province, lost his life after spending 12 days in hospital.
Although he lived in Tomares, health authorities believe he was exposed to the virus in Mazagon, in Palos de la Frontera, Huelva.
He was diagnosed on September 2 with meningoencephalitis linked to West Nile virus and had underlying health conditions.
He had been receiving treatment at the San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe Hospital.
All three people who have died from West Nile virus in Andalucia in 2026 were elderly and had pre-existing health problems, according to the regional health department.
The first victim was an 82-year-old man from Dos Hermanas, who died on August 4.
The second was an 89-year-old man from Guadalema de los Quintero, in Utrera, who died on August 27.
The total number of confirmed West Nile cases in Andalucia this year is 64.
Of those, 38 have been classified as mild and 26 as severe, including the three deaths.
Five people are currently still in hospital, while the remainder have recovered or improved.
West Nile circulation has prompted authorities to place 25 municipalities and three smaller population centres under official alert status.
In Sevilla province, these include Almensilla, Aznalcazar, Cantillana, Coria del Rio, Dos Hermanas, Gerena, Guillena, Huevar del Aljarafe, La Luisiana, La Puebla del Rio, Las Navas de la Concepcion, Los Palacios y Villafranca, Pilas, Sanlucar la Mayor, Guadalema de los Quintero and Villamanrique de la Condesa.
Elsewhere, alerts are in force in parts of Cadiz, Cordoba, Huelva and Malaga provinces.
In Malaga province, Alhaurin de la Torre, Cartama and Pizarra are currently included.
An alert designation triggers intensified monitoring of mosquitoes, animals and human cases, as well as stronger public information campaigns and mosquito-control measures.
Local authorities are also required to step up treatment of breeding sites and adult mosquito refuges within 1.5 kilometres of populated areas.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
