AUGUST 6, 2026 17:01
A 70-year-old man died after contracting West Nile Virus, one of 10 confirmed cases since the beginning of the season, the Health Ministry announced on Thursday.
The patient developed symptoms in July and was hospitalized due to complications from the disease. Most of the patients who had been confirmed to have West Nile Virus experienced symptoms typical of the disease, including fever, rash, and changes in consciousness. As of Thursday, three other patients remain hospitalized in good condition, and investigations are ongoing to identify where they were exposed to the infected mosquitoes
“West Nile fever is a disease transmitted to humans through the bite of mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. In most cases, it is a mild disease without symptoms, but in rare cases, severe symptoms may also develop, such as inflammation of the brain or the membranes surrounding the brain. The risk of severe illness is higher among people aged 60 and over and people with underlying medical conditions, so it is particularly important to follow preventive measures,” said Prof. Sigal Sadetzki, head of the Health Ministry’s Public Health Division.
Mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus have been found in Tel Aviv, Taybeh, Tira, and Kalansuwa, according to the Environmental Protection Ministry and the Health Ministry. The Environmental Protection Ministry instructed local authorities to expand their prevention, monitoring, public information, and pest control measures, and called on all authorities to increase efforts to combat public health pests
Local authorities are responsible for removing hazards and nuisances caused by the pests in public areas, while the public is asked to help by following guidelines and reducing habitats for mosquitoes to breed. Public citizens are encouraged to drain sources of standing water, use mosquito repellent containing an active ingredient such as DEET, install screens on windows and doors, wear long, light colored clothing, and use a fan while inside the home, on balconies, in gardens, and in open areas.
Mosquito hazards ore local authority’s 106 hotline
West Nile Virus-infected mosquitoes grow more prevalent between the beginning of June and the end of November. The Environmental Protection Ministry’s pest and pest control team therefore conducts thousands of inspections for mosquito larvae and hundreds of captures of adult mosquitoes throughout the year, which are transferred to Health Ministry laboratories for identification and testing
While mosquitoes carrying the virus have been reported in southern Israel earlier this year, infected mosquitoes are now reported to have been captured in central Israel as well.
The ministries stressed that the public’s reports to the local authorities are an important part of reducing mosquito hazards and allow authorities to focus their monitoring and pest control measures quickly and effectively
“In recent days, mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus have been captured at several locations in central Israel. A mosquito carrying the virus can transmit it to a person through a bite, thereby causing illness. The ministry issued detailed instructions to local authorities to take immediate measures aimed at reducing the risk to human health. Alongside monitoring and pest control measures, the public also has an important role in reducing mosquito hazards. Drying standing water and reporting it to the local authority will make it possible to significantly reduce the mosquito population and help protect public health and the environment,” said Dr. Shai Reicher, director of the Environmental Protection Ministry’s Pest and Pest Control Division.
