Understanding the Defeat of West Nile Virus: A Public Health Threat in Spain
Spain is facing an unprecedented public health crisis due to the West Nile virus, with six deaths and 80 confirmed cases. This captivity, originating in Africa, is a zoonosis that affects various animals, including horses and birds, and can manifest itself severely or severely in humans, causing encephalitis and even death.
The main form of transmission of the virus is through the bite of mosquitoes, especially the Culex genus, which is found throughout the world. However, it can also be transmitted through blood transfusions and organ transplants, which further complicates the health situation. In areas where the circulation of the virus is detected, it is essential to implement measures to prevent contagion, such as restrictions on blood donations by people who have been exposed to the virus, either by living or having traveled to affected areas. In the most persistent cases, it is possible to carry out cribs to identify and eliminate contaminated donations.
Miguel Ángel Jiménez Clavero, of the Animal Health Research Center (CISA), warns of the high cost of these health measures. There is currently no specific treatment for the nurse; the goal is to provide supportive care to relieve symptoms. Although gamma globulins obtained from recovered patients are used experimentally with variable results, there is not enough clinical data to justify its generalized use.
This blockade, which was previously unknown in the region, has shown a significant increase in its expansion and incidence of cases. Clavero points out that, although there are indications that the virus may have been present in Spain in the late 60s or early 70s, the first diagnosed human case was reported in 2004. In 2007, the virus was isolated for the first time in a laboratory from specimens of sick real eagles in Toledo. The first brood in humans occurred in 2010 in Cadiz, coinciding with broods in horses in the area.
The situation was criticized in 2020, when a large outbreak in Seville resulted in 77 cases and ocho deaths. Since then, annual outbreaks have been reported in several provinces, especially in the south, although the disease is spreading to other areas of the country.
While there are approved suitcases to protect horses, only humans have developed prototypes of vacue. Some of these have shown promising results in the early stages of clinical trials, but none have advanced to phase 3, due to the complexity and high cost of these studies. For a vaccination to occur at this stage, kilometers of volunteers and an epidemiological situation that allows the recompilation of a statistically significant number of cases are needed.
In conclusion, West Nile virus represents a growing public health challenge in Spain, with an urgent need for effective preventive and treatment care. Continued surveillance and investigation are essential to address this emerging emergency.
