Popular areas of Spain are on red alert for an imminent mosquito infestation. It follows heavy rains in the area that have lasted for a month, according to the Spanish news site Europa Sur.
Campo de Gibraltar has popular UK tourist spots such as Tarifa - known for its beaches and water sports - as well as natural parks like Los Alcornocales and Roman ruins like Baelo Claudia. It is the region beside Gibraltar, and therefore some areas are very close.
Europa Sur reports that an accumulation of water and rising temperatures could lead to a surge in West Nile virus cases in the southern Spanish region.
Andalucia is also on high alert for an infestation, reports the Olive Press. It is home to very popular tourist locations such as Seville, Malaga and Granada.
A succession of storms in March has left large accumulations of stagnant water in drains, ponds, abandoned plots, and other surfaces. That could reportedly create the perfect breeding ground for these insects to hatch
Worse still, mosquitoes could intensify in early April when the combination of humidity and warmer temperatures favours larvae hatching. In fact, several areas in the region have already detected an increasing presence of the insects.
EuropaSur says the mosquitoes are already causing discomfort among locals in the Campo de Gibraltar region - even disturbing people as they sleep. The recent rise in temperatures there has reportedly accelerated these insects' biological cycle - meaning people are seeing more of them
Mosquitoes can be vectors for diseases. The Junta de Andalucía has recently updated its risk map for West Nile Virus (WNV), a disease transmitted by infected mosquito bites. In its latest review, Algeciras, Los Barrios, and Tarifa have been included on the list of municipalities with a high risk of transmission, while La Línea de la Concepción, San Roque, Jimena de la Frontera, Castellar de la Frontera, and San Martín del Tesorillo are at a medium alert level.
West Nile Virus can cause severe encephalitis, especially in those over 60 years old and people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or kidney diseases. In 2024, the Ministry of Health and Consumption detected the circulation of the virus in transmitting mosquitoes in Tarifa, leading to this municipality being included in the Special Monitoring Area.
Areas at high risk are required to develop a Municipal Plan for Vector Surveillance and Control, with specific measures to reduce mosquito populations and minimise virus transmission risk. These actions include monitoring stagnant water areas, applying larvicides at strategic points and conducting public awareness campaigns.
The UK government has advice for travellers on how to protect themselves from mosquitoes.
GOV.UK says: "In many countries, mosquito bites can spread diseases like chikungunya, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, malaria, West Nile virus, yellow fever and Zika. They can result in serious illness and some may even be fatal."
The website says to "avoid insect bites at all times including during the day". Officials say it is important to:
Take note: mosquitoes that spread chikungunya, dengue, West Nile virus, yellow fever and Zika mainly bite during the day and at dusk. Mosquitoes that spread malaria mainly bite in the evening and at night.
