Mosquitos with West Nile virus found in southern Arava region

2 August 2023, 5:42 pm

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Illustrative image of a mosquito biting through skin. (iStock by Getty Images/nechaev-kon)

Mosquitos carrying West Nile virus were found in the southern Arava area, the second time the disease has been detected in Israel this year, the Environment Ministry says.

The ministry says the infected mosquitos were found in along Route 90 in the communities of Yotvata, Paran and Elipaz, just north of Eilat.

It instructed local authorities to keep a closer eye out for mosquitos with West Nile virus and if needed “immediately carry out preventive measures and pest control,” according to a statement.

Those infected with West Nile virus typically experience flu-like symptoms and recover within a week, but in some cases the disease is fatal. According to the Health Ministry, one person has died this year from the virus.