Tourists in Spain warned as potentially deadly disease spreads through city popular with Britons

The cases were found in different parts of Seville, including Los Palacios, Villafranca, Dos Hermanas, Coria de Rio and La Puebla de Río.

The severity of the virus varies, with headaches, body aches, vomiting and diarrhoea common symptoms.

Those with the illness may also notice joint pains, develop rashes and have long-lasting fatigue.

In extreme cases, it can lead to hospitalisation or even death - particularly in elderly patients.

This week, locals in the area have protested the rise in cases, calling on the government to do more to stop the spread.

While West Nile virus has occurred in Spain for 20 years, warmer conditions are thought to have led to the number of cases increasing.

Holidaymakers have already been warned about mosquitos in other parts of Spain this summer, including the Canary Islands.

Last month, Aedes tiger mosquitos were found in containers arriving from Castellón in mainland Spain to the Canary Islands. The containers were fumigated.

Larvae and pupae were also spotted in Tenerife. Aedes mosquitos can transmit diseases such as dengue virus, yellow fever virus and Zika virus, which all have similar symptoms to West Nile virus.

Tourists should take note of headaches, sickness and body aches, and seek medical advice if necessary.

Of the nine West Nile cases reported in Seville, six of the patients have already been discharged from hospital.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Four regions in France attracting British retirees with their lower living costs
• Blow for tourists as EU airports reintroduce ban on liquids exceeding 100ml
• Britons given Australia travel warning for next year over terror threat

Travel is never guaranteed safe and Britons should always check the latest advice and tips before jetting off.

This comes as a fresh warning has been shared for those looking to visit the Asian beach destination, Sri Lanka.

A UK Government body warned there is also the risk of tourists catching serious illness, and holidaymakers have also been warned of an increased threat of crime and violence.