Israeli Health Ministry Reports New West Nile Virus Mosquito Hotspots Including Petah Tikva and Ben Gurion Airport

The Israeli Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environmental Protection have identified new locations where mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus have been found. These include Petah Tikva, Ben Gurion Airport, Kafr Qasim, Kafr Bara, and the Brenner and Central Arava regional councils, covering an area with approximately 320,000 residents. This update comes amid an ongoing summer season marked by the detection of infected mosquitoes in multiple municipalities such as Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tayibe, Tira, Kalansuwa, and others.

Since the start of the West Nile virus season, 17 human cases have been diagnosed, with one patient currently hospitalized and one fatality reported in early August involving a man in his 70s. Most patients exhibited typical symptoms like fever, rash, and altered consciousness. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to determine the likely exposure sites. The first case this year was confirmed in July in a Tel Aviv resident, prompting local authorities to intensify preventive measures.

Professor Sigal Sadetzki, head of the Public Health Division at the Ministry of Health, explained that the virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites from infected birds. While most infections are mild or asymptomatic, severe neurological symptoms can occur, especially in individuals over 60 or those with underlying health conditions. She emphasized the importance of preventive actions.

The ministries have instructed local authorities to expand mosquito control, monitoring, and public education efforts to reduce transmission risks. The public is urged to eliminate standing water sources such as buckets, plant trays, old tires, and ornamental pools, use approved mosquito repellents containing DEET, install window screens, wear long light-colored clothing during mosquito activity hours, and report mosquito nuisances to municipal hotlines.

Environmental Protection officials noted an expected rise in infected mosquito populations from June through November, with thousands of larvae monitored and hundreds of adult mosquitoes trapped and tested annually. Recent captures of infected mosquitoes in central and southern Israel indicate an increased risk of human exposure. The ministries will continue surveillance and update the public as necessary.