Spanish province reports 5 deaths from West Nile virus in past month

By Senhan Bolelli

MADRID (AA) - The death toll in the southern Spanish province of Seville from the West Nile virus has risen to five in the past month, officials said Monday.

Two more people died from the virus in the town of Coria del Rio, bringing the toll in the province to five, according to the Regional Ministry of Health and Families of Andalusia.

Four of the victims were aged from 71 to 87.

A total of 10 cases have been reported in Dos Hermanas, Los Palacios y Villafranca, Coria del Rio, Gerena and Carmona in Seville, with five deaths and three discharged, while two patients are still undergoing treatment, added the ministry.

The Andalusian authority announced that the number of people diagnosed with West Nile virus has reached 40 this year.

The West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea and vomiting.