Israel urges mosquito control after West Nile virus detected in South

The Health Ministry and Environmental Protection Ministry announced that female mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus were captured in the Tamar Regional Council area in southern Israel. The council was instructed to expand prevention and control efforts, and local authorities were urged to step up measures. Six cases of West Nile fever have been diagnosed in Israel this year. The public is urged to report mosquito hazards and eliminate standing water.

The Health Ministry and Environmental Protection Ministry announced on Saturday that female mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus were captured in the Tamar Regional Council area in southern Israel. Following the discovery, the council was instructed to expand its prevention, monitoring, public awareness, and mosquito control efforts. Local authorities across the country were also urged to step up measures to reduce mosquito breeding and other related hazards. Six cases of West Nile fever have been diagnosed in Israel since the beginning of the year, according to the Health Ministry. No other areas with infected mosquitoes have been identified, but authorities said the risk of additional outbreaks is higher between June and November, when mosquito activity peaks. West Nile fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bites of female mosquitoes that have previously fed on infected birds. The virus is not transmitted from person to person and does not spread through everyday contact. Birds serve as the virus's natural reservoir, while mosquitoes transmit it between animals and, in some cases, to humans. Prof. Sigal Sadetzki, head of the Health Ministry's Public Health Division, stressed the importance of raising awareness of the disease. Most cases are mild or produce no symptoms, she said, although serious complications, including encephalitis or meningitis, can develop in rare cases. About 80% of those infected do not develop symptoms. Some patients may experience a mild, flu-like illness that includes fever, headaches, weakness, muscle pain, and, in some cases, a rash. Those at greater risk of complications include older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic illnesses. In rare cases, the disease can cause serious neurological damage requiring hospitalization and, in some cases, intensive care. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for West Nile fever, and no vaccine has been approved for use in humans. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and providing medical support based on the severity of the illness. The Environmental Protection Ministry said the first capture of infected mosquitoes in 2026 showed that the nationwide monitoring system was operating continuously and could identify areas of risk in real time. Dr. Shai Reicher, director of the ministry's Pest Control Division, said the public also plays an important role in limiting mosquito breeding, alongside the monitoring and mosquito control measures carried out by local authorities. Residents can help by eliminating standing water and reporting mosquito hazards. High temperatures and standing water create ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed during the summer months. The ministries recommended draining and removing all sources of standing water, including buckets, plant saucers, old tires, gutters, barrels, ornamental ponds, and any other containers that may collect water. They also recommended using mosquito repellent, installing screens on windows and other openings, wearing long, light-colored clothing while outdoors after dark, and using fans in seating areas. The public was urged to report mosquito hazards or sources of standing water in public areas to their local authority's 106 hotline.