An Israeli man in his 70s who contracted West Nile Fever has died from complications after being hospitalized, the Health Ministry announced Thursday
According to the ministry, ten cases have been diagnosed since the beginning of the summer, and three patients remain hospitalized in good condition. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing in an effort to identify the likely locations where patients were exposed to infected mosquitoes
The Health Ministry said the man developed symptoms in mid-July. Most of the patients experienced symptoms typical of the disease, including fever, rash, and changes in consciousness
West Nile Fever is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds
The Health Ministry and the Environmental Protection Ministry announced that mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus had been detected in Tel Aviv, as well as in Arab towns Tayibe, Tira, Qalansawe, and the Lev HaSharon Regional Council area
Following the findings, the Environmental Protection Ministry instructed local authorities to expand prevention, monitoring, public awareness and pest-control efforts
The Health Ministry and the Environmental Protection Ministry called on the public to eliminatequito infestations to local authorities
In most cases, the illness is mild or causes no symptoms, but in rare cases it can lead to inflammation of the brain or the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (encephalitis or meningitis)
The risk of severe illness is higher among people aged 60 and older and those with underlying medical conditions
In 2024, Israel recorded its largest outbreak of West Nile fever in recent decades, with 930 infections and 73 deaths. According to the Health Ministry, the unusually high number of cases primarily affected people aged 60 and older in central Israel
