West Nile virus discovered in mosquitos in southern Israel

Health authorities announce that mosquitos carrying West Nile virus have been found near the southern city of Yeruham and surrounding Ramat Negev Regional Council, the first time this year the disease has been detected in Israel.

The Environmental Protection Ministry says mosquitos infected with the virus were found in Nahal Revivim, near Lake Yeruham, and outside the educational centers of Nitzana and Midreshet Ben Gurion.

It calls on the public in those areas to ensure there are no sources of standing water on their property, to use insect repellents, place screens on windows and wear clothing that covers the skin.