The Ministry of Health of the Junta de Andalucía has confirmed this Thursday two new cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in the Sevillian municipalities of Los Palacios y Villafranca and Coria del Río.
According to a note from the Ministry, the case in Los Palacios involves a 46-year-old woman who has been hospitalized since July 6 and is showing favorable progress. The case in Coria del Río affects a 41-year-old man who was discharged after three days at the Virgen del Rocio University Hospital in Seville.
Urgent Actions Required
The affected individuals contracted the disease in the municipalities of Seville, and the samples sent to the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital in Granada confirmed the positive results. This situation necessitates urgent action to control the population of adult mosquitoes of the genus Culex. Municipal plans in both localities will be intensified, and communication to the population regarding preventive measures will be increased. These topics will be discussed at a coordination meeting tomorrow, Friday, as part of the West Nile Fever surveillance and control program implemented in Andalusia in 2021.
More Cases Emerging
These two new cases are in addition to the other two confirmed yesterday, both residents of Dos Hermanas (Seville). A 71-year-old woman, who had serious pre-existing conditions, unfortunately died, while a 72-year-old man was discharged on Thursday after being hospitalized at the University Hospital of Valme.
Understanding West Nile Virus
West Nile virus infection is a zoonosis, meaning it occurs in animals and can be transmitted to people under natural conditions, primarily through mosquitoes of the genus Culex. The disease affects countries in southern, eastern, and western Europe, with the virus being transmitted among birds through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which is its natural cycle. Humans and other mammals can be infected incidentally, without further transmission from them.
Approximately 80% of WNV infections in humans are asymptomatic. West Nile fever (WNF) is the most common clinical presentation. Elderly and immunocompromised persons are at an increased risk of developing neuroinvasive West Nile disease.
The public is advised to take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites and to stay informed about the latest developments regarding the West Nile virus in their area.
