Rains in Spain have boosted the deadly mosquito threat.

Recent rainy weather has brought a deadly threat to Spain. In Andalucia in particular, the country’s water resources are at their highest, as is its mosquito population and West Nile Virus count. Spanish health officials have launched a plan to combat the threat.

The South of Spain, after weeks of heavy rain and rising temperatures is on alert for a possible comeback of West Nile Virus. Over 100 municipalities are now classified as High RiskThe public health officials do not take any chances.

Despite efforts, Last year’s outbreak killed 11 people, 10 of them in Sevilla province alone – making it ground zero once again. The authorities are taking all measures to prevent a repeat of the past, as conditions are ripe for mosquito breeding.

Sevilla steps up – Then, you can also check out

Sevilla is not playing around this year. With 45 towns in the danger zone, the province has launched a €6 million blitz against the virus. The operation, Control y Seguimiento The event, “Mosquitos Transmisores del Virus del Nilo Occidental,” began last Friday, 28th March, in La Puebla del Rio, with a display of drones and fumigators as well as rice field water samples being taken in front the media.

Javier Fernández, president of the Sevilla Provincial Council, proudly announced that they’ve brought this year’s prevention campaign forward by four months compared to 2024. What worked last year, we’re “I’m going to do it even earlier this time,” said he.

The operation includes 15 municipalities in the vicinity of the Guadalquivir, such as Dos Hermanas Utrera and Coria del Rio. It targets both mosquito larvae and the bloodsucking adults, with aerial spraying planned once rice paddies flood – especially near towns.

It’s not just Seville… Cadiz, Huelva, Malaga, and Cordoba are also under pressure.

A Junta de Andalucia report from March 2025 states that Cadiz comes second with 16 high-risk towns, followed by Seville (15), Huelva (9), Malaga (9), then Cordoba (8). The region is at risk. There are more than 700 locations. Are under surveillance or control?

Monitoring began in Cadiz as early as February. As soon as the sky clears, Sevilla will start using traps to control larvae and catch them. Officials are clear about their goal: to eliminate the bugs before they can fly.

New West Nile Testing Lab Openings

To speed things up, Seville’s Virgen del Rocio Hospital is opening a second West Nile Virus testing lab – previously, all samples went to Granada’s Virgen de las Nieves. ‘This will save us precious time in public health decision-making,’ said Rocío Hernández, the region’s Health Minister.

A €1.2 million investment will also go toward increasing testing of mild cases and improving the predictive models. If infected mosquitoes are found within 1.5km of towns, the town will be notified. Now, trigger immediate alert status.

Huelva plays it cool – for Now,

Huelva is more relaxed. Officials there reckon things are ‘within the normal range’ despite the floods earlier this year. Francisco Cáceres, head of the local pest control team, said early treatment – starting in February – plus access to protected wetlands like Doñana, has given them a head start.

They’re Even though the word “everything” is used, it does not mean that you should be able to say anything. planning to hit the Marismas del Odiel this time – a nature reserve previously off-limits due to bird nesting. ‘We’re balancing environmental protection with tourism and public health,’ said Cáceres.

The province’s €3.3 million pest control operation will cover towns like Punta Umbria, Ayamonte, and Isla Cristina. A wider prevention plan Set to also Approval is sought from local mayors.

Almeria takes control of the situation after downpours

Almeria, on the other hand, isn’t going to wait. Local authorities began larvicide treatment using biological products after heavy rains created puddles in the city. Next, giant atomisers cannons will be used to target adult mosquitoes.

Antonio Urdiales, the city’s councillor for environmental sustainability, said: ‘We’ve got a year-round mosquito control service in place, and now we’re intensifying it to minimise nuisance to residents.’

Even towns with low risk must act now to prevent crime spread

Andalucia now has a newly approved 2025 Vector Surveillance and Control ProgrammeMosquito Control Plans are required by all municipalities, including those with a “low risk”. The regional government has reminded town halls that mozzies aren’t just annoying – they’re A public health threat The same rules apply as for any other pest.

Local health officials will oversee and guide the plans. If an outbreak occurs – in humans, birds, horses, or the insects themselves – the area will instantly move up to “high alert,” with mandatory new measures.

The buzz is not the end of your life Spring

West Nile virus spreads through the bite Culex mosquitoes – the kind that breed in stagnant water after rain. The virus is capable of infecting horses, birds and humans. It can also cause severe swelling in the brain and even death.

Be mosquito-smart if you are in Andalucia during the spring: Clear standing water. Use repellent. Keep screens closed.

Authorities are trying their best. We all need to do our part to stop the spread of this disease.

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