First West Nile Death of the Season Reported in Israel

The Health Ministry announced this afternoon that a person has died after contracting West Nile fever. According to the update, 10 people have been diagnosed with the disease since the start of the season, with three still hospitalized. Last season, 31 patients died in Israel. The infection season runs from July through November.

According to the Health Ministry, the patient, a man in his 70s, developed symptoms in mid-July and died after being hospitalized due to complications from the disease. Most patients experienced symptoms typical of the illness, including fever, rash, and changes in mental status. Epidemiological investigations are continuing for the hospitalized patients in an effort to identify the possible location of mosquito exposure.

As is well known, during the summer, standing water and hot, humid weather increase the risk of mosquito breeding. Local authorities are responsible for removing hazards and nuisances caused by sanitary pests in public spaces. At the same time, the public is asked to help with the effort by following these guidelines: Dry and drain sources of standing water, such as buckets, plant saucers, old tires, gutters, ornamental pools, barrels, and any container that may collect water. Use a mosquito repellent containing an active ingredient such as DEET or another approved mosquito repellent, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Install screens on windows and openings, and wear long, light-colored clothing, especially during hours when mosquitoes are active. Run a fan while indoors. Report mosquito hazards or sources of standing water in public areas to the local authority’s 106 hotline.

Meanwhile, as part of ongoing monitoring conducted by the ministries throughout the year, with an emphasis on mosquito season, female mosquitoes confirmed by Health Ministry laboratories to carry the West Nile fever virus were found in Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Tayibe, Tira, Kafr Qasim, and the Lev HaSharon Regional Council.

Following the findings, the Environmental Protection Ministry instructed all local authorities—and particularly those in which the mosquitoes were found—to expand prevention, monitoring, public information, and extermination efforts, with the goal of reducing the risk of infected mosquitoes spreading and protecting public health.

Prof. Sigal Sadetzky, head of the Health Ministry’s Public Health Division: "West Nile fever is a disease transmitted to humans through the bite of mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. It is usually a mild disease with no symptoms, but in unusual cases, severe symptoms such as inflammation of the brain or meninges may also appear. The risk of severe illness is higher among people age 60 and older and people with underlying medical conditions, so it is especially important to follow prevention measures."