Spain issues guidance on how to avoid the West Nile virus as cases in major tourist city grow – including the type of plants that repel mosquitoes

A MAJOR city in southern Spain has issued guidance on how to lower one’s exposure to the West Nile virus. 

Sevilla City Council listed its top tips following a surge in cases and even two deaths over the past several weeks.

The disease is carried by mosquitoes and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea,  headaches, fatigue and in the most serious cases, death. 

The most vulnerable are the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. 

Below is a list of prevention tips published by the Ayuntamiento de Sevilla.

1. Wear loose clothing with long sleeves and trousers.
2. Use repellents on clothing, do not apply them to bare skin, especially if it is later covered by clothing. Preferably use natural oils such as lemon eucalyptus, citronella or mint oil. Candles made with these oils are also very effective. Always read the label on repellents and use them correctly.
3. If you have a baby, protect them by placing a mosquito net on the baby carrier, especially if you have them outside.
4. At home and in the garden, turn off the light when it is not necessary, as mosquitoes are attracted by light, and avoid areas where mosquitoes concentrate.
5. Use mosquito nets on doors and windows or electric insecticide diffusers for domestic use. The use of air conditioning and fans can also help prevent the presence of mosquitoes in the rooms.
6. Remember that it is important to keep places where water remains stagnant clean, such as swimming pools, sinks, fountains or any outdoor container that can accumulate water (flower pots, toys, buckets, tires, etc.), containers for collecting condensation from air conditioning units, and pet water bowls.
7. It is important that there are no water leaks in your home or community that flood basements, sanitary chambers, or gardens. Maintain proper cleaning and maintenance of manholes, drains, and drainage areas, such as gutters, pipes, and rain drains.
8. In patios, windows, and gardens, use plants that naturally repel mosquitoes, such as basil, rosemary, lavender, mint, and citronella. If you use plates under the pots, fill them with fine gravel to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.
9. If your home or garden has water tanks, make sure they have a lid in good condition and that it is in place and tight. If you notice that this is not the case, use mosquito netting to cover them so that mosquitoes cannot lay their eggs inside.
10. Inform the authorities if you see abandoned swimming pools or other possible breeding sites for mosquitoes.
11. Notify the local authorities about dead birds, as they may be a sign that the virus and the mosquitoes that transmit it are circulating in the area.