Israeli Health Ministry Reports New West Nile Virus Mosquito Hotspots Including Petah Tikva and Ben Gurion Airport
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Israeli health authorities have detected West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes in new areas including Petah Tikva and Ben Gurion Airport, amid 17 diagnosed cases this season and one death. Officials urge enhanced mosquito control and public preventive measures to reduce infection risk.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes found in Petah Tikva, Ben Gurion Airport, and other locations.
- 17 human cases diagnosed this season, with one death and one patient hospitalized.
- Virus transmitted by mosquitoes feeding on infected birds; severe cases affect elderly and those with health issues.
- Health and Environmental Protection ministries instruct local authorities to intensify mosquito control and public education.
- Public urged to remove standing water, use repellents, install screens, and report mosquito issues.
- Surveillance and monitoring will continue through November to track and manage the outbreak.
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 regional councils of Brenner and Central Arava, covering an area with approximately 320,000 residents. This update comes amid a wider spread of the disease during the current summer season.
Since the start of the West Nile virus season, 17 cases have been diagnosed in Israel, with one patient still hospitalized and one fatality reported. The first case this year was confirmed in July in Tel Aviv. Symptoms among patients have included fever, rash, and altered consciousness. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to determine possible exposure sites.
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 cases are mild or asymptomatic, severe symptoms such as encephalitis or meningitis can occur, especially in individuals over 60 or those with underlying health conditions. She emphasized the importance of preventive measures.
The ministries have instructed local authorities to intensify mosquito control efforts, including monitoring, public education, and eradication activities. The public is urged to eliminate standing water sources, use approved mosquito repellents containing DEET, install window screens, wear long light-colored clothing, and report mosquito nuisances to municipal hotlines.
Dr. Shay Reicher, head of the Pest Control Division at the Ministry of Environmental Protection, noted recent captures of infected mosquitoes in central and southern Israel, indicating increased risk of human exposure. Both ministries will continue surveillance and update the public as necessary through the end of November, when mosquito activity typically declines.
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