West Nile virus in Spain

The health authority in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia has confirmed that 11 cases of West Nile virus have been detected in the towns of Puebla del Rio and Coria del Rio in Seville province. Both towns are situated on the banks of the slow moving Guadalquivir river, and the 42,000 inhabitants of both towns have been advised to do all they can to avoid contact with mosquitoes.

Advice for travellers 

• There is no vaccine against West Nile virus. 
• Mosquito bite avoidance should be practiced at all times, especially during peak transmission times and when outbreaks are known to be occurring. 
• Outbreaks of West Nile virus will be listed on the destination pages of the TRAVAX (for health professionals) and fitfortravel (for the general public) websites. 
• Medical advice can be sought if symptoms develop, following travel to a risk area. 
• Blood donors should note that if they have travelled to an area where West Nile virus has been detected in the past four months, they may need to be tested for the virus before donating blood. All travel must be mentioned to the blood transfusion service so that they can determine whether a test is required. The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) has produced a leaflet which details information about blood donation after travel.

Further advice and information is available on the TRAVAX (for health professionals) and fitfortravel (for the general public) websites.

Source: TRAVAX, 19 August 2020