Israel Reports First West Nile Virus Death in 2026 Season as Cases Rise

The Israeli Ministry of Health announced the first death this year from West Nile virus complications, involving a man in his 70s who developed symptoms in mid-May and was hospitalized. So far in the 2026 season, Israel has diagnosed 10 cases of West Nile virus, with three patients currently hospitalized in stable condition. Most patients exhibited typical symptoms such as fever, rash, and altered consciousness. West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites from infected birds and primarily occurs from August to November. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 14 days, with symptoms usually lasting 3 to 6 days. While most infected individuals remain asymptomatic or experience mild flu-like symptoms, severe complications like meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis, myocarditis, Parkinsonian syndromes, and death can occur, especially in high-risk groups including those over 60, diabetics, cancer patients, and organ transplant recipients.

Ongoing surveillance by Israeli health authorities detected West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes in several locations including Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tayibe, Tira, Qalansawe, and the Lev HaSharon Regional Council. In response, the Ministry of Environmental Protection instructed local authorities, particularly the Tamar Regional Council, to intensify prevention, monitoring, public education, and mosquito control efforts to reduce virus spread and protect public health. The summer's warm, humid weather and standing water increase mosquito breeding risks. Local municipalities are responsible for eliminating public health nuisances caused by mosquitoes, while the public is urged to assist by draining standing water from containers, using mosquito repellents, installing window screens, wearing long light-colored clothing at dusk, using fans to deter mosquitoes, and reporting mosquito breeding sites to municipal hotlines.