The Extremadura Health Service has confirmed another case of West Nile virus fever in the region. The patient is a 72-year-old man from Don Benito, who is being treated in hospital. The new case brings the number of infections recorded in Extremadura in 2026 to 52. According to the regional health authority, two deaths associated with the infection have also been recorded this year.
The authorities collate reports centrally and continually update their situation reports. The previous day, according to statements from Junta de Extremadura 51 cases had been recorded, mainly in the Don Benito–Villanueva de la Serena health areas, Badajoz and Cáceres. The data recorded include, among other things, place of residence, age and hospitalisation, to identify possible clusters and transmission chains. The patient now confirmed in Don Benito fits the known risk profile: severe cases occur mainly in older people and those with pre-existing conditions.
The Junta de Extremadura cites stepped-up vector surveillance and mosquito control as immediate measures. These include stationary and mobile traps for sampling, inspections of standing water, municipal disinsection and public advice on protecting against mosquito bites. Blood donation services are working with the health authorities to assess donors in affected areas in accordance with the applicable protocols.
West Nile virus has circulated seasonally in Spain for years. Birds are the main reservoir and mosquitoes are the vectors. In humans, the infection is usually mild or asymptomatic; a small proportion develop a fever, and an even smaller proportion suffer neurological complications such as meningitis or encephalitis. The regional government notes that the current figures are provisional and may change as further reports or laboratory confirmations come in.
The new case in Don Benito has been confirmed, bringing the number of laboratory-confirmed infections this year to 52. These are the established facts. Officials stress that surveillance and prevention must continue consistently until the end of the mosquito season. The authorities are not making specific forecasts about how the situation will develop. The usual advice applies to the public: avoid standing water, use insect repellent, limit time outdoors at dusk and wear clothing that covers the body, particularly in affected areas of Extremadura.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).