West Nile Virus Detected in Mosquitoes in Northern and Central Israel

The infected mosquitoes were detected in Yokneam and the Megiddo Regional Council in the north, as well as Ramat HaSharon, Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, and the Kochav Yair-Tzur Yigal Local Council in the center. Laboratory tests conducted by the Ministry of Health confirmed the presence of the virus in the captured insects.

West Nile fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, which typically contracts the virus from infected birds. While most infected individuals do not develop symptoms, the virus can cause fever, headaches, and weakness, and in rare cases, severe neurological complications such as encephalitis and meningitis. The elderly and immunocompromised are at the highest risk.

In response to the findings, Dr. Shay Reichler of the Ministry of Environmental Protection urged local authorities to eliminate breeding grounds and expand public awareness. The ministry and the Ministry of Health also advised the public to eliminate standing water, install window screens, and use approved mosquito repellents. The risk period for infected mosquitoes typically increases annually between June and November, and Israel has already recorded a record number of infections in 2024. According to Cursorinfo, Israel had recorded 20 cases of West Nile fever and one death of a man in his 70s this season as of early September.