The Health Ministry announces that 13 patients have been diagnosed with West Nile fever this year. Of these cases, 12 have been discharged from the hospital, while one person has died from complications of the disease.
The Environmental Protection Ministry also says that mosquitoes infected with the West Nile fever virus have been captured in the Menashe Regional Council, Ramat Hasharon and Eilat.
Epidemiological investigations are continuing to locate the possible place of exposure to the infected mosquitoes.
The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of mosquitoes that feed on infected birds, says Prof. Sigal Sadetzki, head of the Public Health Division at the Health Ministry.
It is usually a mild illness with no symptoms, but in exceptional cases, serious symptoms such as encephalitis or meningitis may also occur. The risk of severe illness is higher in people aged 60 and over and people with underlying diseases.
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From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
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