The regional government of Andalusia confirmed nine new cases of West Nile fever, the disease caused by the West Nile virus, this week. This virus occurs mostly in birds. Most of them do not get sick, although some species of birds are more sensitive than others. The virus also spreads to animals and other people through mosquitoes.
It’s possible you’ve never heard of West Nile virus. The virus originally only occurred in Africa. In the meantime, however, it has spread throughout the world. Cases have also been found in Europe, for example in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.
he is Westnijlvirus transmitted by the common house mosquito (culex pipiens). The spread of the virus occurs when that mosquito bites an infected bird or mammal and then attacks a person.
Fortunately, most people are not very affected by West Nile virus (80% of cases are asymptomatic). Those who become ill usually experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle aches. Only in rare cases does the virus develop into serious consequences such as encephalitis or meningitis.
As provincial government of Andalusia now found the virus in several cities in the region of Seville. This does not only apply to sick people, but the virus has also been found in mosquitoes that have been caught. West Nile virus is especially dangerous for horses. It has now been confirmed in a horse in La Palma del Condado (Huelva), in Almensilla (Seville) and in the capital of Seville itself.
The Ministry of Health has reminded municipalities that they must do all they can to reduce the spread in the affected towns. Especially in those towns where female mosquito populations are highest, the population can be actively controlled.
2024-08-06 13:11:07
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