Andalusia on High Alert: West Nile Virus Outbreak Prompts Urgent Action

Andalusia Battles West Nile Virus Outbreak: 103 Municipalities on High Alert Andalusia, Spain is facing a significant West Nile virus outbreak, prompting heightened concern among residents and authorities. The virus, sometimes called the "Guadalquivir virus," has placed 103 municipalities on high alert. Heavy rainfall has created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to a surge in the mosquito population and the spread of the virus. "We believe there could be a large mosquito population, and we risk having a year as bad as or worse than the previous one," warned Javier Membrillo, vice president of the SEIMC, in an interview featured in the report. Fumigation efforts have begun across the affected areas as a preventative measure. The video shows crews spraying insecticides in fields and residential areas. Residents expressed concerns about the virus, particularly near the Guadalquivir River. One resident stated, "It scares you, of course, especially if you live near the river." While 80% of those infected experience mild or no symptoms, the virus can lead to severe neuroinvasive diseases. The 2024 outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the potential severity, with 11 deaths and 80 infections recorded. Authorities are working to prevent a repeat of last year's crisis through early intervention and public awareness campaigns. The Andalusian government and health officials are committed to protecting the public and minimizing the impact of this outbreak.