West Nile Virus Detected in Mosquitoes Across Israel, Health Ministry Warns

Israel's Ministries of Health and Environmental Protection announced on Tuesday the detection of female mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus in Ramat Hasharon and the regional councils of Emek Hefer, Lev HaSharon, and Eilot. Since the start of the West Nile season, 20 human cases have been diagnosed, with one patient hospitalized and one fatality reported. Most infected individuals experienced typical symptoms including fever, rash, and altered consciousness. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to pinpoint exposure locations.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection has instructed local authorities, particularly in affected areas, to intensify prevention, monitoring, public awareness, and control efforts to curb the spread of infected mosquitoes and protect public health. Routine monitoring by both ministries throughout the year, with a focus on mosquito seasons, led to the capture of infected mosquitoes in laboratory tests.

Summer conditions, characterized by stagnant water and hot, humid weather, increase mosquito breeding risks. Local authorities are responsible for pest control in public areas. The public is urged to assist by draining stagnant water sources like buckets and plant saucers, using mosquito repellent, installing window screens, wearing long clothing, using fans, and reporting mosquito breeding sites to local authorities.

Professor Sigal Sadetsky, head of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, stated that West Nile virus poses a significant public health challenge, as diagnosed cases represent only a fraction of infections, most of which are asymptomatic. She emphasized that monitoring mosquitoes can detect viral activity before human cases emerge, and collaboration with other ministries and authorities is crucial for early intervention. The public, especially those over 60 and individuals with chronic illnesses, are advised to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate stagnant water due to their higher risk of severe illness.

Dr. Shay Reichert, Director of Pest Control at the Ministry of Environmental Protection, confirmed mosquito captures in the Sharon region and the south, indicating a rising risk of human exposure. He reiterated the call for local authorities to take immediate action and for the public to drain stagnant water and report mosquito clusters to enable swift and effective control measures.