Constantina, new focus of the West Nile Virus in Seville: alert until August 10

The Junta de Andalucía has declared an alert area in Constantina due to the circulation of the West Nile Virus after detecting carrier mosquitoes in a trap set by the Diputación de Sevilla. It is the fifth Andalusian locality with this alert this year.

The Junta de Andalucía has activated the alert protocol in Constantina after analyses confirmed the presence of carrier mosquitoes of the West Nile Virus (WNV) in a trap installed by the Diputación de Sevilla. The measure, which will be in effect until August 10, requires the Town Hall to intensify fumigation and vector control efforts.

This is the fifth municipality in Andalusia to declare this health alert in 2026, following Pulpí (Almería), Torredonjimeno (Jaén), Palomares del Río (Sevilla) and Benacazón, although in the latter the detection occurred more than 1,500 meters from inhabited areas, so no alert area was declared.

A shock plan against the mosquito

The declaration of an alert area implies, according to the Comprehensive Surveillance Program and Control of Vectors of the West Nile Fever, reinforcing the three types of surveillance: entomological (on mosquitoes), animal (in birds and equines) and human (in people with compatible symptoms). Additionally, public information campaigns will be activated through pharmacies and health centres.

The Town Hall of Constantina must implement its Municipal Plan for Surveillance and Vector Control, with special attention to larval hotspots located within a radius of 1.5 kilometres from population centres. It will also need to enhance communication to residents to adopt protective measures, such as using repellents or avoiding water accumulation.

A summer with more mosquitoes and a mild case

So far this year, a mild case of West Nile fever has been diagnosed in Andalusia, specifically in Palomares del Río. However, the last week has recorded a progressive increase in the densities of female mosquitoes that transmit the virus, with abundant levels in municipalities such as Coria del Río, Isla Mayor, La Puebla del Río, Los Palacios and Villafranca and Lebrija.

In Gerena, La Carlota and Bailén, intermediate densities have been detected, keeping the entire autonomous community on alert. For the residents of Constantina, the recommendation is clear: take extra precautions at dusk, use mosquito nets and avoid areas with stagnant water until the alert period passes.