West Nile virus spreads in Spain: Health authorities declare 13 new cases in Sevilla and Huelva – while infected mosquitoes are found in Cadiz

SOME 13 new cases of the West Nile virus have been declared in Sevilla and Huelva this week.

According to the Andalucian health department, six cases were detected in Dos Hermanas, just a few kilometres from Sevilla city.

Elsewhere in Sevilla, a further three cases were declared in Coria del Rio, plus one case each in La Puebla del Rio, Mairena del Aljarafe and Alcala de Guadaira.

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Another case was confirmed in the town of Campofrio, in neighbouring Huelva province.

Of the 13 cases detected, 11 have already been discharged from hospital, according to a statement from the Junta de Andalucia.

However fears of a surge in patients is rising after the disease was detected in mosquito traps outside of Sevilla, including in Barbate and Jerez de la Frontera.

Both areas are in the province in Cadiz and are hugely popular among British tourists and expats.

Meanwhile, experts have warned that several other areas are at risk due to the high number of mosquitos capable of spreading the virus.

READ MORE: Spain’s West Nile ghost town: Residents in Sevilla village ‘fear going out at night’ following string of deaths

These include; Villamanrique de la Condesa, Los Palacios y Villafranca, Bollullos de la Mitacion, Gelves, in Benalup-Casas Viejas, Barbate, Alcala de los Gazules and Vejer de la Frontera, in Cádiz.

The Ministry of Health insists on the need for the population to maintain preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites during the most at-risk hours – around dawn and dusk.

It advises residents to apply mosquito repellent and to wear light-coloured clothing that covers the skin.

Mosquito nets should also be erected where possible.