An ancient port city in the heart of Andalucia in Spain has confirmed its first case of a deadly disease, with fears growing over how rapidly it is spreading.
The West Nile Virus, a mosquito-borne virus, has been making its way throughout Spain. Now the virus has put another person in hospital, this time in Cadiz, according to The Olive Press.
The man has been hospitalised for several days, with lab tests confirming it is the province’s first known case of the disease.
The Vejer council offered “all our support to the affected local and his family”, while asking the rest of the citizens to “be calm and cautious”.
Cadiz has become a popular expat hotspot in recent years with Brits flocking to the picturesque city to enjoy the beautiful weather, stunning beaches, history and the less crowded atmosphere.
The city is now enforcing tougher measures against the deadly virus. This is likely to include installing more mosquito traps and raising awareness among the local population.
It comes after West Nile virus is thought to have claimed more lives in Andalucia this week after two more fatalities were reported.
Health authorities confirmed a man and a woman, both from Jaen who were admitted to the Reina Sofía University Hospital in Cordoba, had passed away.
If the deaths are confirmed to be from the West Nile virus, it will bring the total number of deaths in the region to eight this summer.
Councillor Begoña Medina is urging Malaga city councillor Penélope Gómez to provide more information on the mosquito that transmits the West Nile virus.
This comes after concerns about the rapid spread of the virus has sparked fear among residents, particularly in rural areas where mosquito populations are higher.
A 64-year-old woman from the Cardoba town of La Rambla remains in a critical condition in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
She had been hospitalised for three weeks before the virus was confirmed.
West Nile Virus symptoms
About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhoea, or rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
About 1 in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system.
Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis, this can occur in people of any age.
However, people over 60 years of age are at greater risk for severe illness if they are infected (1 in 50 people). People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, are also at greater risk.
