Spanish authorities in warning over disease spreading in favourite UK holiday hotspots

Spanish health authorities have raised the alarm over a rising disease, with 13 fresh cases detected in the last seven days. West Nile disease is reportedly spreading across Spain, particularly in the Sevilla and Huelva regions.

The Andalucian health department has confirmed six cases in Dos Hermanas, a short distance from Sevilla city. In Sevilla itself, three cases were reported in Coria del Rio, and one each in La Puebla del Rio, Mairena del Aljarafe and Alcala de Guadaira, with the final case in Campofrio, in the province of Huelva.

Officials are growing increasingly concerned about the surge in cases of the mosquito-borne disease. The Junta de Andalucia's Ministry of Health revealed it has found evidence of the West Nile virus in mosquito test captures conducted between 1 and 8 August in several municipalities in the Seville province, including Almensilla, Bollullos de la Mitacion, Dos Hermanas, Gelves, Los Palacios y Villafranca and Villamanrique de la Condesa, as well as in Barbate (Cadiz province), many of which are popular destinations for British tourists and expats.

One in five individuals who contract the virus develop a fever that results in aches, rashes and vomiting. More severe cases can present symptoms such as seizures, muscle weakness and paralysis.

Health and Consumer Affairs has issued a directive to local municipal authorities in Andalucia, urging them to monitor for additional cases and encourage preventative measures among the public to minimise the risk of transmission.

The weekly public health report revealed that areas such as Villamanrique de la Condesa, Los Palacios y Villafranca, Gelves, Dos Hermanas and Bollullos de la Mitacion (Seville) and Barbate (Cadiz) are experiencing high levels (Grade IV and III) of female mosquitoes capable of transmitting diseases. Medium levels (Grade II) have been reported in Almensilla (Seville) and in Benalup-Casas Viejas and Vejer de la Frontera (Cadiz).

Since the beginning of 2024 up until 21 August 2024, human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infection have been reported by eight EU/EEA countries and two EU-neighbouring countries. The affected EU/EEA countries include Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, France, Italy, Greece, and Spain, while Serbia and Kosovo are the affected EU-neighbouring countries.

The Ministry of Health is advising people to take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites during peak hours around dawn and dusk. It recommends residents to use mosquito repellent, wear light-coloured clothing that covers the skin, and install mosquito nets where possible.

Last year, the ECDC reported a staggering 713 locally acquired cases of the deadly West Nile virus across nine European countries, resulting in 67 fatalities. The virus also spread to 22 new regions where it had not previously been detected.

The main hotspots for the virus last year were Italy, Greece, Romania, Hungary and Spain. The West Nile virus poses a significant threat to individuals over 50 and those who are vulnerable or have conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer.

The virus can lead to severe complications including meningitis and encephalitis, often requiring hospitalisation.