The virus is spreading: these are the areas where mosquitoes infected with West Nile fever were found
The Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Health reported the capture of mosquitoes infected with West Nile fever in the Menashe Regional Council, Ramat HaSharon, and Eilat. Local authorities were instructed to expand prevention and monitoring measures. Since the beginning of the season, 13 patients have been diagnosed, including a 70-year-old man who died. No patients are currently hospitalized.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Health reported today (Wednesday) the capture of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile fever virus in several areas of the country: in the Menashe Regional Council, Ramat HaSharon, and Eilat. Following the findings, the Ministry of Environmental Protection instructed all local authorities, especially those where infected mosquitoes were found, to expand prevention, monitoring, information, and extermination measures, in order to reduce the risks of spread and protect public health. Since the beginning of the virus activity season, 13 patients have been diagnosed, including a man of about 70 who died after being hospitalized due to complications of the disease. Most patients suffered from typical symptoms, including fever, rash, and changes in consciousness. As of now, no patients are hospitalized, and epidemiological investigations are ongoing. The Ministry of Health warns that summer conditions, including hot and humid weather and the accumulation of standing water, increase the danger of mosquito development. The public is asked to dry standing water sources, use mosquito repellents, install nets, wear long and light-colored clothing, operate fans, and report hazards to the 106 hotline. Prof. Sigal Sadetzki, head of the Public Health Division at the Ministry of Health, said that the disease is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes that feed on infected birds, and is usually mild, but in exceptional cases severe symptoms such as encephalitis may appear. Dr. Shai Reicher, director of the Pest and Extermination Division at the Ministry of Environmental Protection, said that infected mosquitoes were caught in the north, center, and south, and called on the public to dry standing water and report hazards.