From the Liveblog of
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Environment Ministry says mosquitoes carrying West Nile fever found in northern areas; 904 diagnosed in outbreak
Reporter at The Times of Israel
The Ministry of Environmental Protection reports that mosquitoes carrying West Nile fever were found in Shefaram, and in the Mateh Asher and Mateh Yehuda regional councils.
The ministry has instructed these local authorities to further expand their monitoring and pest control systems in their areas.
According to the latest figures from the Health Ministry, the number of patients diagnosed with the West Nile virus rose to 904.
A total of 69 people who were diagnosed with the virus have died since the outbreak began in June.
Infected mosquitoes transmit the West Nile virus to humans. The virus does not spread from person to person.
About 80% of people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms at all. About 20% may experience varying degrees of symptoms, including fever, headaches, and body aches.
Less than 1% of those infected will have possible rare complications such as acute inflammation of the brain or meningitis.
The risk of significant illness is higher among the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
