Spain has recorded its first West Nile virus death of the year, prompting health officials to urge British holidaymakers to take extra precautions against mosquito bites. An 82-year-old man from Dos Hermanas, near Seville, died after being hospitalised with meningoencephalitis linked to the mosquito-borne virus, marking the first fatal case in the country this season.
Rising Cases and Risk Areas
At least 19 human infections have been logged so far this season, with most in Andalusia, while further cases have been detected in Alicante and Extremadura—regions popular with UK tourists. Health officials and pest-control experts warn that the risk tends to increase later in the summer as mosquito numbers multiply, with August and September expected to be the peak danger period.
Rubén Bueno, technical director of pest-control specialist Lokímica, told Spanish newspaper ABC: “August and September are typically critical months for human cases; the vast majority of human cases are concentrated in these two months, as the preceding two months are when we see cases in animals. It is highly likely that more cases will emerge.”
Potential Spread Beyond Southern Spain
Bueno added that the virus may not be confined to the south. He said: “We certainly cannot rule out the possibility of further affected areas. We know the virus circulates naturally in Extremadura, in parts of the Valencian Community, in Catalonia, and in some areas of Castilla-La Mancha.”
The warning comes as millions of Britons head to Spain during the school break, with Valencia and Catalonia among the most popular destinations. West Nile virus spreads when Culex mosquitoes bite infected birds and then bite humans; it does not pass directly from person to person.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
The World Health Organization (WHO) says most infected people—around 80%—will not notice any symptoms. About 20% develop a mild illness such as fever, headache, and muscle aches. Fewer than 1% go on to serious neurological conditions including meningitis or encephalitis, but older people and those with underlying health problems face a higher risk.
The man who died had pre-existing health conditions and had been treated at the Virgen de Valme University Hospital in Seville after being diagnosed on July 27, according to Andalusia’s Department of Health, as reported by eldiario.es.
Surveillance and Comparison to 2024
Authorities have also confirmed a new infection in Aznalcázar, taking the total in Seville province to 17 for the season. In total, 19 municipalities have been classed as alert areas due to evidence of virus circulation or infected mosquitoes. The alert status leads to increased mosquito surveillance, closer monitoring of animals and humans, and public messaging aimed at reducing bites.
While the current situation is serious, it is still far smaller than the 2024 season, when Spain recorded 158 confirmed human cases and 20 deaths—most in Andalusia. ABC reports sources at Spain’s National Research Council (CSIC) believe widespread infection among birds last year may have boosted immunity in the bird population, helping reduce transmission this year, though the virus remains endemic and can flare up when hot weather combines with standing water.
Broader European and UK Context
The WHO has also warned West Nile activity is up in parts of Europe this summer, with locally acquired cases reported in countries including Italy, Greece, Romania, and North Macedonia. In the UK, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says there have been no human cases acquired domestically, but it now considers West Nile an emerging risk as climate change creates more favourable conditions for mosquitoes capable of carrying the virus.
Advice for Travellers
Health experts are urging anyone travelling abroad to take simple precautions to reduce their risk of mosquito bites. Holidaymakers are advised to use insect repellent, particularly at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and to wear long sleeves and trousers where practical. Travellers should also sleep in air-conditioned rooms or accommodation fitted with mosquito screens and avoid areas of stagnant water, where mosquitoes are known to breed.
Anyone who develops symptoms such as a high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, or confusion after returning from an affected area is being urged to seek medical advice without delay.
