Israel Reports First West Nile Virus Death as Cases Rise Amid Mosquito Season

Israel's Ministry of Health announced the first death in the country from West Nile virus, involving a 70-year-old man who developed symptoms in mid-July and later died from complications. The ministry did not disclose his residence or prior health conditions. An epidemiological investigation is ongoing to determine where he was exposed to the infected mosquito bite.

Since the start of the mosquito season, ten West Nile virus cases have been diagnosed in Israel, with three patients still hospitalized in stable condition. The Ministry of Health continues to investigate these cases to identify potential exposure sites and mosquito population concentrations in their areas.

Recently, infected mosquitoes were captured in central Israel locations including Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tayibe, Tira, Kalansawa, and the Lev HaSharon Regional Council. These findings prompted the Ministry of Environmental Protection to instruct local authorities to intensify prevention, monitoring, public awareness, and mosquito control efforts. This marks the first detection of infected mosquitoes in central Israel this year, following earlier reports from the south.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites after feeding on infected birds. Most infected individuals show no symptoms or mild flu-like illness, but severe neurological complications can occur, especially in people over 60 or with weakened immune systems. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment, so care focuses on symptom relief and supportive therapy.

The Health Ministry emphasized the importance of eliminating standing water sources, such as buckets, plant trays, old tires, clogged gutters, barrels, and ornamental pools, to reduce mosquito breeding. Residents are urged to use approved insect repellents, install window screens, wear long light-colored clothing, and use fans to deter mosquitoes. Local authorities are responsible for public mosquito control, and citizens should report water accumulation or mosquito nuisances to municipal hotlines for prompt intervention.

The Ministry of Health and Environmental Protection will continue monitoring cases, conducting mosquito trapping and laboratory testing nationwide, and guiding local authorities based on findings.