Tel Aviv Resident Diagnosed With West Nile Virus in First Case This Summer

The Israeli Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environmental Protection announced on July 26 that a resident of Tel Aviv has been diagnosed with West Nile virus, marking the first reported case this summer. Despite this diagnosis, no mosquitoes carrying the virus have been detected so far during the current monitoring season.

Following the case, the Ministry of Environmental Protection instructed the Tel Aviv municipality to intensify prevention, monitoring, mosquito control, and public awareness efforts. Professor Sigal Sadetzki, head of the Public Health Division at the Ministry of Health, explained that West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites from mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. While most infections are mild or asymptomatic, severe symptoms such as encephalitis or meningitis can occur in rare cases.

The ministries emphasized that between June and November, thousands of mosquito larvae and hundreds of adult mosquitoes are collected across Israel for laboratory testing. They urged the public to help prevent mosquito breeding by eliminating standing water sources such as buckets, flowerpot trays, tires, gutters, and barrels. Additional recommendations include using mosquito repellents, installing window screens, wearing long clothing during dusk, and using fans outdoors.

Residents are also encouraged to report mosquito nuisances or standing water in public areas to their local municipality via hotline 106. These measures aim to reduce the risk of further West Nile virus transmission during the summer season.