West Nile Virus-Carrying Mosquitoes Found in Tamar Regional Council, Southern Israel

The Israeli Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environmental Protection have reported the capture of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus in the Tamar Regional Council area in southern Israel, marking the first detection of 2026. Since the beginning of the year, six cases of West Nile virus infection have been confirmed in the country. In response, the Ministry of Environmental Protection has instructed the local council to expand prevention, monitoring, and mosquito control efforts.

Professor Sigal Sadetzki, head of the Public Health Division, explained that West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquito bites from mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. While the disease is usually mild, severe symptoms such as encephalitis can occur in rare cases. Authorities urge the public to eliminate standing water and report any mosquito breeding sites to local municipalities to help reduce the risk of infection.