Health Ministry campaign urges public to dry up standing water sources to curb diseases

The Environmental Protection Ministry launches a publicity campaign via social media and digital platforms, calling on the public to dry up standing water sources in their homes and surroundings as an effective and safe method for preventing mosquito reproduction, reducing bites, and lowering the risk of human illness.

The ministry recommends that the public drain and dry standing water sources that could serve as mosquito breeding grounds, including containers that could accumulate water, such as old tires and buckets, and to prevent water accumulation at the bottoms of flower pots and planters.

It also recommends emptying or replacing water at least once a week in containers such as flower vases and pet drinking bowls, covering swimming pools and cleaning and emptying gutters.

“No standing water, no mosquitoes,” says Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman in a statement.

The Health Ministry has reported two cases of West Nile virus in Israel this year. In 2024, the number of cases in Israel surged to over 800 amid the biggest outbreak of the virus in more than two decades, with more than 60 people dying from the virus, according to Health Ministry data.