Health Ministry reports 738 people have contracted West Nile virus in current outbreak

The number of patients diagnosed with West Nile virus has risen to 738, with 51 people dead since the outbreak began in June, the Health Ministry announces.

The ministry says that five of those who died were between 45 and 64 years old; 21 were 65-79; and 25 were over 80.

The virus has been in the country for many years, with incidents of West Nile fever occurring mainly between June and November. This year, they started earlier than usual, likely due to climate change in Israel and worldwide.

The virus is primarily transmitted to humans from the bites of infected mosquitoes, particularly species of mosquitoes that feed on birds. The virus does not spread from person to person.

According to the Health Ministry, about 80 percent of people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms. About 20% may experience varying 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.