According to the Ministry of Health, the total number of deaths in Andalusia due to the West Nile virus has risen to five, with 10 more people estimated to be infected.
Concerns are mounting in Spain over the spread of the West Nile virus following two additional deaths in Seville, raising the total number of fatalities from the virus in the region to five this summer.
Infectious mosquitoes have been found in towns near the Guadalquivir River, including Coria del Río. Earlier this month, residents of the town held a demonstration, urging the government to take more effective measures to stop the infection.
According to the World Health Organisation, 80% of those infected remain asymptomatic, and it is rare for the disease to progress to a more severe form. The organisation says individuals over 50 years old and those with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk.
The virus is most common in birds, but people and animals can also be infected through mosquito bites.
Experts recommend that residents in affected areas protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and staying indoors during dusk and dawn when mosquito activity is highest.
