Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Friday, September 20, 2024
From the Liveblog of
Friday, September 20, 2024
Number of West Nile virus cases since June at 913, with 70 deaths
Reporter at The Times of Israel
The Health Ministry says that the number of patients diagnosed with the West Nile virus rose to 913.
A total of 70 people who were diagnosed with the virus have died since the outbreak began in June.
Infected mosquitoes transmit the West Nile virus to humans. The virus does not spread from person to person.
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.
