HOLIDAYMAKERS heading across the channel this summer have warned of a fatal paralysing virus after cases were reported in Spain and Italy. A person in Seville, Spain and another in the province of Modena in Italy were infected with the West Nile virus. The mosquito-borne virus won't cause symptoms in most people, but about 20 per cent go on to develop West Nile fever, which leaves sufferers with aching bodies, vomiting and skin rashes.

One in 150 people infected with the West Nile virus may also develop severe neurological disease that triggers seizures, muscle weakness and paralysis, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns. Two locally acquired cases of the virus - which is spread by bites from infected mozzies - have been detected in European holiday hot spots so far this year, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The first was reported the city of Seville in Spain , with the person experiencing symptoms at the beginning of March.

"Although an isolated case, it highlights that the transmission of West Nile virus can occur very early in the year, likely due to suitable climatic conditions," the ECDC noted. A second person was infected with the West Nile virus in Italy 's Modena province, the health watchdog said. Italy confirmed it's first West Nile virus infection of 2024 in an official report published on June 27.

The case was locally acquired, meaning the person was infected in Italy and wasn't bitten by a virus-laden mosquito abro.