The Andalusian Ministry of Health has declared three areas in the province of Málaga on alert due to the circulation of the West Nile virus. Cártama, Pizarra and Campanillas will intensify mosquito surveillance and control.
The Ministry of Presidency, Health and Emergencies of the Junta de Andalucía confirmed this Thursday that Cártama, Pizarra and Campanillas, the latter a district of the capital, are on alert for the West Nile virus. According to Diario Sur, the three municipalities will remain in this situation for the coming weeks: Cártama until 22 September, Pizarra until 1 October and Campanillas until 3 September.
In total, 32 municipalities in Andalucía have been declared on alert due to the presence of the vector mosquito. This declaration involves intensifying the three types of surveillance (entomological, animal and human) in the area, activating community promotion actions and strengthening communication to the public through pharmacies and nursing to adopt necessary protective measures.
The affected municipalities must intensify their control and treatment measures for the transmitting mosquitoes while the alert lasts. This includes reinforcing what is outlined in their Municipal Vector Surveillance and Control Plan, not only in populated areas but also in locations situated no more than 1.5 kilometres identified as larval breeding sites or adult refuges.
The Public Health and Health Promotion Secretariat of the Junta urges the public to take measures to avoid mosquito bites, especially for vulnerable individuals. This reminder becomes particularly important in those municipalities where a high presence of the vector mosquito has been detected in recent weeks.
Individual recommendations include the use of registered topical repellents, covering most of the body with light-coloured clothing and avoiding strong scents such as perfumes or scented soaps, which attract insects.
At the domestic level, it is advised to install mosquito nets, use insecticides or environmental repellents, and turn off unnecessary lights. It is also advisable to avoid creating stagnant water areas, where mosquitoes lay their larvae: properly maintain pools, wash areas, and empty accumulated water in gardens, pots, toys or buckets.
In livestock operations, it is recommended to frequently renew animal drinking water and avoid puddles from vehicle tracks, water leaks from taps or broken pipes, and troughs with little renewal.
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