The entomological control tasks carried out in the province of Cádiz during the first half of May have not detected the presence of the western Nile virus, according to the results obtained by the Ministry of Health and Consumption through the plot of mosquitoes in the area. These actions have been carried out within the first month of the surveillance and control campaign of the Western Nile Western Surveillance and Control Program for 2025, whose implementation has advanced one month with respect to the calendar of the previous year.

In parallel, epidemiological surveillance on possible human cases has also been active in the region of La Janda, one of the territories designated as special follow -up. Since the month of March, a total of 79 people have been served in emergency services with syndromes compatible with Western Nile Fever. However, in all cases, the specific PCR tests have ruled out the presence of the virus, so no case has been recorded in humans or evidence of virus circulation so far.

With a view to the celebration of events such as fairs and pilgrimages in the coming weeks, the Ministry of Health and Consumption has issued preventive recommendations aimed at the population to avoid mosquito and tick bites. Health authorities advise the use of appropriate repellent and clothing, especially during the hours of greater activity of the transmitting vectors, which coincide with the moments close to dawn and after sunset. These recommendations are particularly relevant in contexts of high concentration of people such as pilgrimages, where these species may be more present.

In addition, it insists on the need to wear closed footwear and preferably boots accompanied by socks that cover the lower part of the pants to prevent tick bites. It is recommended to avoid intense odors, not sitting directly on the vegetation and walking through the central area of ​​the roads, avoiding contact with the surrounding vegetation where these insects are usually hidden.

Prevention also extends to avoid the accumulation of water in elements such as abbreviations, gardens, pots and utensils that can favor the development of mosquito larvae. As for the measures to deal with heat, the use of caps or hats, the application of solar creams with high protection factor, frequent water intake to prevent dehydration and correct food conservation to avoid poisoning, especially maintaining the cold chain and applying adequate reheating.

The Ministry of Environmental Health Service has made available to citizens an informative note on repellent and other specific materials related to these prevention measures, accessible through the official website of the agency.

Although the province of Seville has focused part of the actions on the roads that lead to the village of El Rocío, the municipalities of Cádiz have been informed to reinforce vector control activities and develop information campaigns among citizens. These actions are being carried out in coordination with the municipal technicians and public health agents, as part of the strategies of the Official Surveillance Program of the Ministry of Health and Consumption.

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