Extremadura Reports Four West Nile Virus Deaths, Surpassing 2024 Total
Extremadura is the only Spanish region too have recorded deaths from West Nile virus this year, wiht a current total of four – one more than during all of 2024, when it ranked second-worst nationally behind Andalusia. The region has identified 22 positive cases so far this year, including four asymptomatic infections detected through blood donations.
Last year, extremadura reported 32 cases, but the reduction hasn’t been as notable as in Andalusia, which has seen cases drop to just one infected person in the province of Almería, compared to 87 cases and ten deaths in 2024.
Eva frontera, a researcher at the University of Extremadura specializing in entomological surveillance, attributes the difference to strategic planning and investment. “In Andalusia they have made a very serious plan and have invested a lot of money. Extremadura too but not with as much foresight. Here a strategic plan is needed more in advance and to advocate for a more thought-out program,” she said. Frontera leads the Vector-Ex project, which monitors mosquito species, behavior, and evolution.
Authorities emphasize the importance of self-protection measures, such as using mosquito nets, especially in rural areas. Both the Badajoz and Cáceres provincial Councils are conducting periodic fumigation to prevent the spread of the virus.
The area of greatest concern is Vegas Altas, characterized by country houses, rice fields, and cornfields – an ideal surroundings for Culex perexiguus, the mosquito species responsible for most disease-transmitting bites. culex pipiens has also tested positive for the virus. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bites of mosquitoes that have previously fed on infected birds.
The Extremaduran Health Service (SES) has alerted all eight health areas in the region to be vigilant for symptoms consistent with West Nile fever, noting that 80% of human cases are asymptomatic.
