Health Ministry says 440 people diagnosed with West Nile fever, 32 dead
Virus can be deadly to the elderly and those with weakened immune systems; 80% of infected show no symptoms; ministry urges vigilance
Reporter at The Times of Israel

The number of patients diagnosed with West Nile virus has jumped to 440, the Health Ministry reported on Monday.
A total of 32 people who were diagnosed with the virus have died since the outbreak began in June.
The risk of significant illness is higher among the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
About 80 percent of people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms. According to the Health Ministry, about 20% may experience varying symptoms, including fever, headaches, and body aches.
Severe neurological complications occur in less than 1% of those infected.
West Nile Fever has been known in the country for many years and occurs mainly between June and November. This year, the incidence started earlier than usual, likely due to climate change in Israel and worldwide, with humid weather possibly leading to the reproduction and development of mosquitoes in the area.
West Nile virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly species of mosquitoes that feed on birds.
The virus does not spread from person to person, nor does the disease pass back from humans to mosquitoes.
People in the center of Israel are especially at risk of contracting the disease because of the area’s high humidity, which creates an ideal breeding ground.
“We need to be alert and continue the measures that are taken every year,” said Prof. Nadav Davidovitch, director of the School of Public Health at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. “But I don’t think that we need to panic.”
The Health Ministry recommended that people should wear long attire at night, when mosquitos are most active, install screens in their windows, and use fans.
They should use mosquito repellent products and devices to repel mosquitoes in living areas.
The ministry also recommended replacing water in vases, emptying plates under flower pots, and changing pets’ drinking bowls at least once per week.
Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant bodies of water, even small amounts.
People should look for hidden standing water sources in basements, rooftops, and gutters.
They should also remove or overturn any items that could collect water, like old tires, buckets, and barrels.
The Environmental Protection Ministry reported in early July that mosquitoes carrying the West Nile fever virus were found in Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Kiryat Ono, Petah Tikva, the Lev Hasharon Regional Council, and the Even Yehuda Local Council in the Central District, as well as in Eilat and the Eilot Regional Council in the south.
The ministry also captured mosquitos infected with West Nile virus near Ben Gurion Airport.
The ministry directed all authorities to increase monitoring and extermination efforts.
Additionally, the ministries of Health and Environmental Protection will continue to inform the public about areas where mosquitoes infected with the virus have been captured and will provide updates as necessary.
“Every person severely infected is a tragedy,” Davidovitch said, “and high-risk people need to be much more aware.”