The Ministry of Presidency, Health, and Emergencies of the Junta de Andalucía has issued a health alert for Lucena, in the province of Córdoba, due to the detection of the West Nile virus in mosquitoes located less than 1.5 kilometers from the population center. This municipality in Córdoba is currently the only one in this situation in the province, joining 29 other municipalities and six singular local entities across Andalusia, spread across the provinces of Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Huelva, Málaga, and Sevilla.
This alert declaration entails intensifying entomological surveillance, for both animals and humans, and reinforcing information and prevention campaigns aimed at the public. The Lucena City Council, for its part, must prioritize mosquito control and treatment actions, covering both the urban area and the 1.5-kilometer radius where larval breeding sites or adult mosquito refuges have been identified.
“"During the current season, 63 cases of West Nile fever have been diagnosed in people in Andalusia, of which 38 were mild and 25 neuroinvasive. Two people have died and another 11 remain hospitalized."
Regarding mosquito surveillance, 6,849 determinations have been made since the beginning of the high-density period, with 127 positive results. Currently, there are 232 active traps throughout Andalusia. The virus's presence has also been confirmed in seven wild birds and five equids.
Health authorities strongly recommend that the public, especially vulnerable groups, adopt measures to prevent bites. These include using registered repellents, wearing light-colored clothing that covers most of the body, and installing mosquito nets. Additionally, it is advised to eliminate stagnant water in swimming pools, tanks, flowerpots, toys, or any other containers, as these environments are conducive to mosquito reproduction.
