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West Nile Virus in Spain

19 Aug 2020

The health authority in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia has confirmed that 11 cases of the West Nile virus have been detected in the towns of Puebla del Rio and Coria del Rio in Seville province.

Both Puebla del Rio and Coria del Rio are situated on the banks of the slow moving River Guadalquivir, 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.

Travellers should practice Mosquito Bite Avoidance at all times, especially during peak transmission times and when outbreaks are known to be occurring.  These outbreaks will be listed on the destination pages of fitfortravel. Medical advice can be sought if symptoms develop following travel to a risk area. Note for blood donors: If you have travelled to an area with WNV in the past 4 months you may need to be tested for West Nile virus before donating blood. All travel must be mentioned to the Blood Transfusion Service so that they can determine whether you need to be tested. The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service have produced a leaflet which details information about blood donation after travel:

For further information see West Nile Fever.