First death this year: Man, 70, dies of West Nile fever
The Ministry of Health reported that for the first time since the start of the 2026 West Nile fever season in Israel, a man in his 70s who was hospitalized due to complications from the disease has died. The patient developed symptoms in the middle of last month. So far, 10 patients have been diagnosed this season, three of whom are still hospitalized in good condition. The ministry has instructed to expand prevention and pest control operations.
The Ministry of Health reported that for the first time since the start of the 2026 West Nile fever season in Israel, a man in his 70s who was hospitalized due to complications from the disease has died. The patient developed symptoms in the middle of last month. So far, 10 patients have been diagnosed with the disease this season, and three of them are still hospitalized in good condition. Most of them suffered from typical symptoms, including fever, rash, and changes in consciousness. West Nile fever is transmitted to humans through the bite of mosquitoes that feed on infected birds, and it occurs mainly in late summer and early autumn. The incubation period is two to 14 days, and the disease usually lasts three to six days. Most patients will not develop symptoms at all, and if they do, they are mild and flu-like. Rare complications include meningitis, encephalitis, or flaccid paralysis, and even death. Risk groups include those aged 60 and over, diabetics, cancer patients, and organ transplant recipients. As part of monitoring, carrier mosquitoes were detected in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tayibe, Tira, Qalansawe, and the Lev HaSharon Regional Council. The Ministry of Environmental Protection has instructed local authorities to expand prevention, monitoring, information, and pest control operations. The public is asked to dry standing water sources, use mosquito repellents, and report hazards to the 106 hotline.