An 88-year-old woman has died from West Nile fever in Andalucia, bringing the region’s death toll this year to six.
The woman, from La Rambla, is the first resident of Cordoba province to die from the disease this season, the Junta confirmed on Friday.
She had underlying health conditions and had been admitted to Montilla Hospital on October 17 with a severe, neuroinvasive form of the infection.
The five previous fatalities were residents of Sevilla province, aged between 75 and 89. One is believed to have been exposed to the virus in Mazagon, Huelva.
Andalucia has recorded 80 human cases this season, including 37 classified as severe. A total of 41 patients have required hospital treatment, with three still admitted.
The death was announced days after regional health authorities lifted the remaining local alerts and stopped publishing daily updates, citing the end of the period of greatest mosquito activity.
La Rambla’s alert had remained in place until October 31 following confirmation of the woman’s infection.
Throughout the season, 72 Andalucian municipalities were placed on alert. All retain their classification as high-risk areas despite the seasonal alerts ending.
The Junta said falling mosquito numbers and changing environmental conditions had reduced transmission.
However, surveillance will continue throughout winter, covering human infections, animals and mosquito populations. Any further evidence of the virus circulating will be reported to the relevant councils.
Health officials have urged authorities to maintain mosquito monitoring and control measures throughout the year.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
