The Junta of Andalucía has declared an alert for the circulation of the West Nile virus in Fuengirola and the area of Las Lagunas, in Mijas. There are no human cases in the province, but mosquito controls are being reinforced.
The Junta of Andalucía has activated the alert due to the presence of the West Nile virus (WNV) in the Málaga municipalities of Fuengirola and Las Lagunas, in Mijas. The measure, adopted after detecting the virus in local mosquitoes, entails an increase in surveillance and control of these insects for at least four weeks.
The alert will remain in effect until August 21, provided no new cases are diagnosed in people and the virus is not detected again in mosquitoes, birds, or horses. The Territorial Delegation of Health and Consumption of Málaga has already informed the town councils of Fuengirola and Mijas, as well as the Provincial Council, to coordinate actions.
So far, no human cases of West Nile fever have been confirmed in the province of Málaga. The five affected individuals diagnosed this season in Andalucía reside in municipalities in Seville and have shown mild symptoms. The declaration also affects the Sevillian municipality of Bollullos de la Mitación.
Reinforcement of mosquito control
During the alert period, the town councils of Fuengirola and Mijas must increase treatments and measures aimed at controlling mosquito populations that can transmit the disease. The actions will not be limited to urban areas but must extend to possible breeding sites and adult mosquito shelters located within a radius of up to 1.5 kilometres around inhabited areas.
The alert also involves reinforcing information campaigns in health centres and community pharmacies, as well as through nursing professionals. The aim is for residents to know how to reduce the risk of bites and prevent the proliferation of these insects.
Since the beginning of the period of higher mosquito presence, the Junta of Andalucía has conducted 3,310 analyses in 213 traps distributed throughout the community. One of the positive detections has been recorded in the municipality of Mijas.
Recommendations for the population
Health authorities recommend that residents in the alert areas avoid the accumulation of water in outdoor containers, as they serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. They also advise the use of repellents, mosquito nets, and long-sleeved clothing, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
At the domestic level, it is suggested to keep gardens and terraces clean, and to frequently empty animal waterers, flower pots, and saucers. For swimming pools, it is recommended to keep the water treated and circulating.
The Junta of Andalucía reminds that most infections from the West Nile virus are asymptomatic or present with mild symptoms similar to those of the flu. However, in older individuals or those with weakened immune systems, it can lead to neurological complications. In case of any symptoms such as fever, severe headache, or neck stiffness, one should visit a health centre.
The activation of the alert does not imply mobility restrictions or the closure of public spaces, but close monitoring will be maintained. The involved town councils have already begun applying larvicidal and adulticidal treatments in the highest risk areas.
The next review of the situation is scheduled for the end of August, when it will be assessed whether the conditions that justified the alert remain. Meanwhile, the Territorial Delegation of Health insists on citizen cooperation to minimise the presence of mosquitoes.
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