Fuengirola, Mijas and Fuengirola put on alert for West Nile virus after fifth confirmed case in Andalucia

Fuengirola has been placed on West Nile Virus alert, as have the Las Lagunas region of Mijas. This is after West Nile Virus-carrying Mosquitoes were found in traps. A mild human case in Coria del Río has also lengthened that town’s warning period, bringing the season total to five confirmed infections across Andalucía.

Four-week alert covers Costa towns

The Dirección General de Salud Pública y Ordenación Farmacéutica has declared Fuengirola and Las Lagunas in Mijas alert zones for a minimum of four weeks, running until at least August 21. Bollullos de la Mitación in Sevilla joins them on the same footing. Coria del Rio has extended its alert to include August 14 following a local resident who showed mild symptoms in July.

Ayuntamientos are required to intensify their mosquito control in accordance with their Municipal Plans for Surveillance & Control of Vectors. The area to be treated includes all areas within 1.5km of the city, as well as any other spots that may harbor larvae or insects. The checks on animals, humans and insects will be tightened, and messages to the community through pharmacists and nursing staff about how residents can protect themselves will also be sent out.

West of Malaga, there are high-risk areas

#MedioAmbiente El @AytoMijas inicia una serie de fumigaciones extraordinarias en imbornales y zonas de cría de mosquitos tras detectar la @AndaluciaJunta la presencia del virus del Nilo occidental en estos insectos en la zona del Miramar, entre los términos de Fuengirola y Mijas. pic.twitter.com/hn7LiAd8bZ

— Ayuntamiento de Mijas (@AytoMijas) July 25, 2026

Nine councils in all in Malaga province already sit at high risk this season: Alhaurín de la Torre, Alhaurín el Grande, Almargen, Antequera, Cartama, Coin, Guaro, Malaga city and Pizarra. Some of these towns, especially those in the western part and in the interior, will be tracked more closely. 65 Malaga towns remain in the medium-risk category, while 28 are at low-risk. Tiger mosquito surveillance for 2026 has been added to provide earlier warning.

Malaga and Sevilla territorial health teams I have informed the town halls, provincial councils and other local authorities so that action can be taken immediately.

Seasonal snapshot so far

Sevilla is the site of five mild cases. Six hundred and eighty-eight blood donations were tested, as well as 262 residents. The virus was not detected in the horses or 208 wild birds that were tested. Traps recorded positives in Mijas among other places, and female mosquito numbers that can transmit the virus are on the rise in a number of Sevilla towns.

Safeguard yourself in practical ways

Consejeria de Presidencia, Sanidad y Emergencias Ask residents to be especially vigilant about mosquito bites, and particularly those who are vulnerable.

The skin should be treated with a topical insect repellent every day. It is best to apply it twice daily. Clothing that is light-colored and covers the majority of your body will work best. Avoid perfumes or soaps with strong scents, as they attract mosquitoes.

The household can make a big difference. Install mosquito nets and use insecticides.

It is important to stop stagnant water from forming, as this is where larvae can grow. Pools, swimming pools, laundry rooms and other areas should be kept clean. Any water that accumulates unnoticed on toys, in plant pots or buckets can attract mosquitoes. As moisture can accumulate in the pots’ underplates, pot plants attract mosquitoes. Feed plants all day long. On hot days, it is best to water plants less frequently but more often so that water puddles do not remain.

Livestock farms must regularly replenish animal waterers and clean up puddles from vehicles, paths, or taps that leak.