Fears grow over spread of deadly West Nile virus after two more deaths in Spain
TWO more people have died after being infected with the West Nile virus, stoking fears over the mosquito-borne disease’s spread.
The two latest deaths occurred in the southern province of Seville, bringing the region’s death toll from the West Nile virus since the start of the year to five.
Spanish media reported that one of the victims was 71-year-old resident of Coria del Río, a town in the region.
It follows the death of a 71-year-old woman from Dos Hermanas, an 86-year-old woman infected in La Puebla del Río and an 87-year-old woman from Coria del Río.
The Regional Ministry of Health and Families of Andalusia said total of 10 people in Seville had contracted the illness, five of whom died, three were discharges and two are still undergoing treatment, as per Anadolu Ajansi.
It follows reports from earlier this month that eight people in Europe had succumbed to the West Nile virus in 2024.
At the time, it was reported that five people had died in Greece, two in Italy, and one in Spain, based figures from the European Center of Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Granada Romero Ruiz, 86, passed away after being infected by the West Nile virus in July this year.
She was rushed to hospital in Seville on July 11 and died just nine days later.
Her devastated family claimed the 86-year-old was in perfect health before bitten
“She had no underlying health problems, she was healthy as could be, active and with a normal life,” her son Antonio Pineda told local media.
West Nile virus is most commonly spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
The virus won’t cause symptoms in most people, but about 20 per cent develop West Nile fever, which leaves sufferers with aching bodies, vomiting and skin rashes.
One in 150 people infected with the West Nile virus may also develop severe neurological disease that triggers seizures, muscle weakness and paralysis, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns.
Most cases of the illness occur between July and September, when mosquitoes are active, according to the ECDC.
The symptoms of West Nile Virus
About 80 per cent of people with West Nile Virus won’t have any symptoms.
But those that do have them might experience:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Headache
- Tiredness
- A rash
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Stupor
- Vision loss
- Numbness
- Neck stiffness
- Diarrhoea
- Seizures
- Convulsions
- Coma
- Paralysis
Source: World Health Organization
Cases of West Nile virus have been flagged in nine European countries so far this year.
An ECDC spokesperson said: “West Nile virus (WNV) season is in full swing in Europe.
“The expected seasonal increase of locally acquired infections in Europe was observed as of July this year, indicating that the transmission season is well under way.
“At the European level, the total number of cases reported so far this year is within the expected range, even though the number of cases in Greece and Spain are higher than in previous years.
“Clinical and severity indicators are also similar to previous years.
“All regions affected this year were either previously affected or had neighbouring regions that have reported cases.”
But health officials have been sounding the alarm over the increasing threat posed by mosquito-borne diseases.
An earlier report published by the ECDC revealed that 713 locally acquired human cases had been spotted in nine EU countries during 2023, resulting in 67 deaths.
“Twenty-two of these regions were reported as places of infection for the first time in 2023,” it said.
The ECDC warned in June that Europe was seeing worsening outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses.
Andrea Ammon, ECDC Director said: “Europe is already seeing how climate change is creating more favourable conditions for invasive mosquitoes to spread into previously unaffected areas and infect more people with diseases such as dengue.
“Increased international travel from dengue-endemic countries will also increase the risk of imported cases, and inevitably also the risk of local outbreaks.”
There is no specific treatment for WNV, but doctors recommend rest, staying hydrated and taking over-the-counter pain relief.
However, in more serious cases, patients need to be admitted to hospital as the virus can lead to meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns.
The only way to get it is from being bitten by an infected mosquito, or through blood transfusion, organ transplant or from mother to baby during pregnancy.
The best way you can protect yourself from the disease is by preventing mosquito bites.
Make sure you’re using insect repellent and wearing clothing that covers your skin when visiting high risk areas.
What can I do to prevent mosquito bites?
The Fit for Travel website says if you are travelling to an area affected by diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever, spread by mosquitoes, you should take action to protect yourself.
Some mosquitoes are more active in the day time while others at night – so it is important to protect yourself at all times.
It says: “If you develop a high temperature (fever) either during or after travelling to an affected area, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and give details of your recent travel history.”
To protect yourself:
Use a good quality insect repellent
The higher the strength, the longer the repellent should prevent mosquitoes landing on you.
An effective repellent contains at least one of; DEET (50% concentration for areas where there is malaria), Icaradin/Picardin (at least 20% concentration, Eucalyptus citriodora oil, hydrated, cyclized (at least 30% concentration), IR3535 (but not for malaria areas).
Apply:
- On all areas of skin not covered by clothes
- After sun screen
- Regularly, particularly if you notice mosquitoes around you
- After swimming, washing or excessive sweating
- On the face, by spraying the repellent on the hands first
Loose clothing
Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing, so loose-fitted clothing is ideal.
Consider a high neckline, long sleeves, long trousers and socks.
Remember to apply insect repellent on areas not clothed.
Mosquito nets
Mosquito nets can protect you at night when sleeping and are even better if treated with insecticide.
Check for any holes in the net before using it. If a hole is apparent, then this should be mended.
You should tuck the net under your mattress or ground sheet during the night, and either collapse it down, or keep it tucked up during the day to stop insects flying under and into the net.