West Nile Virus-Carrying Mosquitoes Found in Six Israeli Locations Amid Rising Cases

Israeli health and environmental authorities have detected mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus at six sites, including Petah Tikva, Kafr Qasim, Kafr Bara, near Ben Gurion Airport, and in the Brenner and Central Arava regional councils. The mosquitoes were confirmed as virus carriers through laboratory tests by the Ministry of Health. Since the start of the season, 17 human cases have been diagnosed, with one death and one patient still hospitalized. Most patients exhibited typical symptoms such as fever, rash, and altered consciousness. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to identify possible exposure sites.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection has instructed local authorities, especially in affected areas, to intensify monitoring, public education, and mosquito control efforts. Recent captures of infected mosquitoes have been reported in several central and southern locations. The public is urged to eliminate standing water sources like buckets, plant saucers, tires, gutters, ornamental pools, and barrels to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Additional preventive measures include using approved mosquito repellents, installing window and door screens, wearing long light-colored clothing, and using fans indoors and outdoors.

Professor Sigal Sadetzki, head of the Public Health Division at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites from infected birds. While most infections are mild or asymptomatic, severe cases involving encephalitis or meningitis can occur, particularly in people over 60 and those with underlying health conditions. Dr. Shay Reicher, director of the Pest and Pest Control Division at the Ministry of Environmental Protection, noted that recent reports indicate an increased risk of human exposure to the virus and encouraged residents to report mosquito nuisances or standing water to local authorities via hotline 106 to enable rapid and effective response.