A 64-year-old woman raises the number of West Nile fever cases in Extremadura to 16.

The Extremadura Health Service ( SES ) has confirmed a new case of West Nile fever in Extremadura, detected in a 64-year-old woman belonging to the Don Benito-Villanueva Health Area.

Thus, 16 cases have now been recorded in the region so far in 2025, three of them asymptomatic. The disease has caused two deaths and five patients are hospitalized at the Don Benito-Villanueva Hospital, the Regional Government of Extremadura reported in a press release.

The SES (National Health Service) has informed the management of the eight health districts in Extremadura to remain vigilant for any suspected cases with compatible symptoms, thus maintaining an alert attitude toward potential cases. This will increase diagnostic capacity, although 80% of human infections are asymptomatic.

Likewise, the SES advises keeping swimming pools, ponds, and ponds in good condition , and trying to empty and prevent objects such as plates under flowerpots, jugs, buckets, toys, pet dishes, and tires, among others, from containing water.

It is also recommended to cover containers or receptacles filled with water outside, as well as to keep rain gutters on roofs and patio drains clean, in addition to wearing light-colored clothing and, if possible, covering as much of the body as possible with long sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.

The list includes avoiding the use of scented soaps, perfumes, and hairsprays , as they can attract insects, and using repellents and insecticides for general use, provided they are authorized as lotions, sprays, or bracelets. The SES recommends installing mosquito nets on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering.