Residents of La Puebla del Río and surrounding areas in Seville are sounding the alarm over a surge in West Nile Virus (WNV) cases, with nine new infections confirmed recently.

The local population, now fearful of an epidemic, is demanding urgent action from the Junta de Andalucía, including the development of a vaccine and better hospital protocols.

The situation has escalated since the summer, with two fatalities reported and a total of 17 confirmed cases this year, nearly matching last year's total.

Experts warn that the mosquito population, particularly the Culex species, has exploded due to recent rains, creating ideal conditions for virus transmission.

Local authorities are urged to implement effective larvicidal treatments to control mosquito breeding, as previous warnings from scientists have largely gone unheeded.

Community leaders are rallying support, emphasizing that this is a public health crisis that transcends political lines.