Two of Spain's most popular holiday destinations are on red alert after mosquitoes carrying the potentially deadly West Nile virus were detected in Fuengirola and Mijas – seaside towns visited by thousands of British tourists every year.
The Andalucían government has declared alerts in Bollullos de la Mitación, Fuengirola and around Las Lagunas in Mijas, bringing the total number of Andalusian municipalities on alert to 15. The alerts will remain in place for a minimum of four weeks or until an equivalent period with no new cases or traces of the virus.
“Two Spanish holiday hotspots on red alert after West Nile virus detected; five diagnosed, 15 municipalities on alert.”
Health chiefs confirmed that the virus was found in traps installed in both municipalities. Checks on insects, animals and humans are being stepped up, and warnings have been issued to the public through chemists and doctors.
The total number of people diagnosed this season now stands at five, after a man living in Coria del Río (Seville) presented the first symptoms on July 17. His case was confirmed on Friday following tests at the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital in Seville. A health department spokesman described it as “a mild case identified thanks to the surveillance established by the Surveillance and Comprehensive Control Programme of West Nile Fever vectors of Andalusia”. Consequently, the ministry extended the alert period for Coria del Río until August 14.
Since the period of high mosquito densities began, 3,310 captures have been made in 213 traps, with positive results across nine provinces. In previous years, there have been at least 10 deaths from the virus in Andalusia.
The outbreak is not confined to Spain. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, as of July 22, 35 areas across six countries have been affected: Italy (20), Greece (six), Romania (four), North Macedonia (two), Spain (two) and France (one). Altogether, 81 locally acquired human cases have been reported, more than half in Italy.
While the UK has not logged any cases caught domestically, the UK Health Security Agency last week revealed that more than 750 cases of mosquito-borne illnesses had been reported in England, Wales and Northern Ireland since the start of 2026, all caught while travelling.
The World Health Organisation has urged people in affected areas to focus on prevention. “Simple steps like covering up, using insect repellent and clearing stagnant water around the home can make a real difference,” said Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
There is no licensed vaccine for humans. Treatment is limited to managing symptoms and supportive care in hospital for severe cases.