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West Nile Virus Found in Mosquitoes in Northern and Central Israel
The Ministry of Environmental Protection announced on Friday, October 9, 2026, that mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus have been captured in several locations across northern and central Israel.
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What happened
- 01Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus were captured in northern and central Israel, the Ministry of Environmental Protection announced on Friday, October 9, 2026.
- 02The infected mosquitoes were detected in Yokneam, the Megiddo Regional Council, Ramat HaSharon, Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, and the Kochav Yair-Tzur Yigal Local Council.
- 03The Ministry of Environmental Protection ordered local authorities in the affected areas to immediately expand monitoring, pest control, and public awareness efforts.
- 04Health Ministry laboratories confirmed that the trapped mosquitoes were carriers of the virus, which is typically transmitted from birds to humans.
- 05Dr. Shay Reichler of the environmental ministry urged residents to eliminate standing water, use repellents, and report mosquito nuisances to local authorities.
- 06According to NEWSru Israel, Israel recorded a record number of West Nile fever cases in 2024, with risks peaking annually from June to November.
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. In response, the ministry ordered local authorities in these areas to immediately intensify pest control, monitoring, and public awareness campaigns to prevent the virus from spreading. Health Ministry laboratories confirmed the captured insects were carriers.
Dr. Shay Reichler, director of the ministry's pest department, urged the public to eliminate standing water near their homes, use repellents, and report mosquito nuisances. The risk of West Nile virus transmission typically peaks annually between June and November. While most infected people show no symptoms, the virus can cause flu-like symptoms and, in rare cases, severe neurological complications such as encephalitis and meningitis. According to NEWSru Israel, Israel recorded a record number of West Nile fever cases in 2024.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
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