Health Ministry confirms first case of West Nile virus this year

The Health Ministry confirms the first case of the West Nile virus in a patient in central Israel this year.

The Environmental Protection Ministry also reports the capture of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus in the Eilot Regional Council in the south. The Ministry has instructed local authorities where the infected mosquitoes were found to further expand the monitoring and pest control efforts.

Every year from the beginning of June until the end of November, the frequency of finding mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus increases, as do reports of human illness from the disease.

In 2024, an unusual number of human cases of West Nile fever were recorded in Israel.

This is the first report of capturing mosquitoes carrying the virus, as well as a case of human illness for 2025. Since the extent of the illness cannot be predicted by the previous year, the ministries reiterate that the local authorities bear the responsibility and authority to take all necessary actions to reduce mosquito nuisances in their areas.

Infected mosquitoes transmit the West Nile virus to humans. The virus does not spread from person to person.

The disease is usually characterized by fever, headaches, weakness, joint and muscle pain, conjunctivitis, rash, and sometimes nausea and diarrhea.

About 80 percent of people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms at all. About 20 percent 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.

The ministry recommends using mosquito repellent products and devices to repel mosquitoes in living areas.