The detection, carried out through entomological surveillance, does not correspond to the appearance of human cases in the province of Málaga this season. The City Council has activated a new phase of its Municipal Plan for Vector Surveillance and Control, intensifying inspections and treatments in drains and areas with stagnant water.
These preventive tasks are carried out year-round, but the alert declaration raises the level of surveillance and strengthens efforts to control larval foci and adult mosquito refuges. Cártama thus joins other areas in the province that have already been on alert this summer, such as Campanillas in Málaga.
“"The declaration requires intensifying entomological, animal, and human surveillance and reinforcing mosquito control in the affected area and in potential foci located up to 1.5 kilometers away."
Andalusia has registered 52 human cases of West Nile Virus in the community as of August 25, the majority in the province of Seville and one in Huelva, with no cases reported in Málaga. Of the positive cases, 36 presented mild illness and 16 severe, with 19 hospital admissions and one fatality.
The virus is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, with birds being their natural hosts. Most infections are asymptomatic, although a small percentage can develop severe neurological symptoms. The City Council reminds residents of preventive measures such as using repellents and eliminating water accumulations.
