70-Year-Old Man Dies From West Nile Virus as Israel Reports 10 Cases This Season

The Israeli Ministry of Health announced on Thursday the death of a 70-year-old man who contracted the West Nile virus. Since the start of the season, ten cases have been diagnosed in Israel. The man developed symptoms in mid-July and died after hospitalization due to complications from the disease. Currently, three patients remain hospitalized in stable condition.

The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environmental Protection reported capturing infected female mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus in several locations, including Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tayibe, Tira, Kalansawa, and the Hof HaSharon Regional Council. In response, the Environmental Protection Ministry has instructed local authorities to expand prevention, monitoring, public awareness, and pest control efforts, urging all municipalities to intensify their activities against disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Health officials continue epidemiological investigations to identify possible exposure sites. The summer season, characterized by standing water and hot, humid weather, increases mosquito breeding risks. The Ministry of Health advises the public to eliminate standing water sources such as buckets, plant saucers, old tires, gutters, ornamental pools, and barrels. It also recommends using mosquito repellents containing DEET or other approved substances, installing window and door screens, wearing long, light-colored clothing during mosquito activity hours, using fans outdoors and indoors, and reporting mosquito nuisances or standing water in public areas to local authorities via hotline 106.