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Health authorities in Andalucia have confirmed the community's first death from West Nile virus this year after an 82-year-old man from Dos Hermanas, in Seville province, died in hospital.

 

The patient, who had underlying health conditions, had been receiving treatment at Virgen de Valme University Hospital after developing meningoencephalitis, an inflammation of the brain and surrounding tissues caused by the virus. He was diagnosed on July 27.

 

The Regional Ministry of Health has also confirmed another case in the nearby municipality of Aznalcázar, bringing the total number of infections recorded in Andalucia this season to 17. Officials described the latest infection as mild, but the municipality has now been placed on alert until August 24 while additional monitoring and mosquito control measures are carried out.

 

In total, 12 mild cases and five neuroinvasive cases have been confirmed across Andalucia this year. Most infections have been detected in towns across Seville province, including Dos Hermanas, Coria del Río, La Puebla del Río, Palomares del Río, Villamanrique de la Condesa and Bollullos de la Mitación.

 

Health authorities have now declared 19 municipalities as alert areas, where mosquito surveillance, testing and public awareness campaigns have been stepped up in an effort to limit the spread of the virus.

 

The virus has also been detected in two wild birds in Doñana National Park, although no infected horses have been identified so far this year.

 

According to officials, mosquito numbers have increased in recent weeks, particularly in parts of Seville province and around Mollina in Málaga province, prompting further preventative measures.

 

West Nile virus is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Most people who become infected experience either mild flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all, but in a small number of cases, particularly among older adults or those with underlying health conditions, it can develop into a serious neurological illness.

 

The latest developments come just two months after the Valencian Community confirmed its first case of West Nile virus this year. A 53-year-old man from Alicante province tested positive in June and was admitted to hospital for treatment before later making a full recovery and being discharged.

 

Health authorities continue to advise residents to reduce the risk of mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers during the early morning and evening, and removing any standing water around homes where mosquitoes can breed.

 

Image: Junta de Andalucia