Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
West Nile virus discovered in mosquitos in southern Israel
Illustrative: An area at a date field in Eilat where West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes were found in 2020. (Gal Zagron/Environmental Protection Ministry)
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.
