The captures were made within the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park. To date, no human cases associated with this viral detection have been registered.
These detections are part of routine entomological surveillance activities for arbovirus prevention. The Usutu and West Nile viruses circulate mainly among mosquitoes of the genus Culex (the common mosquito) and birds, which act as natural reservoirs. Humans and other mammals can occasionally be accidental hosts.
Infections in humans are infrequent and usually asymptomatic or mild, with symptoms such as general malaise, headache, or skin rashes. Severe forms are exceptional and mainly affect elderly or immunocompromised individuals.
In response to this situation, the Generalitat de Catalunya has activated the corresponding surveillance and control protocols, in coordination with IRTA-CReSA, the healthcare network, the wildlife monitoring services, and the Mancomunitat Intermunicipal del Servei de Control de Mosquits de la Badia de Roses i del Baix Ter.
The Town Hall of Castelló d'Empúries is part of this Association, which carries out regular surveillance, monitoring, and mosquito control actions in the area, including efforts in 'closes', ditches, and rice fields. Mosquito populations in the area are at similar or even lower levels than in previous years.
The detection does not entail any restrictions on access or activity within the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park.
It is recommended that people living or working in the area take protective measures against mosquito bites, especially between dusk and dawn, both outdoors and indoors. This includes using mosquito nets, authorized insect repellents, and wearing long-sleeved clothing and long trousers.
Preventive measures for common mosquito control are also advised, such as avoiding stagnant water accumulations around homes, which can act as mosquito breeding sites. These preventive measures are key to reducing mosquito presence and the risk of bites.
