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Brit tourists in Spain on high alert as disease outbreak leaves 10 people dead

Health authorities in Spain are warning of a new case of West Nile Virus found in Seville and carrier mosquitoes in Tarifa, Cadiz

[A mosquito biting someone]

Mosquitos are known to spread the potentially deadly West Nile Virus and Spain has seen a surge in cases

A health alert has been issued for Spain following the death of ten individuals due to a lethal virus. The latest reports reveal a new case of the West Nile Virus in Los Palacios, Seville, and carrier mosquitoes in Tarifa, Cadiz.

In Andalusia, this deadly virus has claimed ten lives, all within the province of Seville. On Monday 21 October, the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs of the Andalusian Regional Government confirmed a fresh case of West Nile fever in the Seville municipality of Los Palacios y Villafranca.

According to the Foreign Office Travel Health Pro website, most people infected with the West Nile Virus remain asymptomatic. However, about 20 per cent of patients develop symptoms including fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, nausea, and skin rash.

These symptoms can escalate into severe illnesses such as meningitis and encephalitis. The Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs of the Junta de Andalucia reported that the virus causing West Nile fever has been detected in carrier mosquitoes captured in Tarifa, based on entomological surveillance data.

The Health and Consumer Affairs department is continuously monitoring mosquito surveillance and control actions undertaken by pest control companies contracted by the provinces of Cadiz and Seville. The Tarifa City Council has disseminated advice and guidelines on its social media platforms to prevent mosquito bites.

The Foreign Office has issued advice on how to avoid mosquito bites, stating: "Mosquitoes that spread chikungunya, dengue, West Nile virus, yellow fever and Zika mainly bite during the day and at dusk."

[The virus is feared to be spreading]

The Foreign Office has issued advice on how to avoid mosquito bites(Image: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

The incubation period for these diseases is typically 2 to 6 days, but can range up to 21 days in those with compromised immune systems. While most infected people show no symptoms, others may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash.

In severe cases, which occur in less than 1% of infected individuals, symptoms can include high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and coma. Those over 50 or with underlying health conditions are at greatest risk.

For more information, visit the Foreign Office website.

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