New Discovery of West Nile Fever-Carrying Mosquitoes in Israel: What You Need to Know and Do

Mosquitoes infected with West Nile fever were found in Ramat Gan, Israel, the Ministry of Environmental Protection announced on Wednesday. The mosquitoes were caught during captures carried out over the past two weeks, and the ministry informed the municipality of the discovery and ordered increased monitoring of infected areas. Immediate implementation of prevention and control measures was also mandated if necessary.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection carries out thousands of mosquito larvae monitoring in water sources throughout the year, as well as hundreds of adult mosquito captures. These mosquitoes are then transferred to Ministry of Health laboratories for identification and testing. If a virological test indicates that a mosquito is infected with the virus causing West Nile fever, an alert is issued to local authorities for immediate action.

During summer months, stagnant water sources combined with hot and humid weather conditions create ideal conditions for mosquito breeding and development. The Ministry of Environmental Protection advises Israeli authorities to increase monitoring operations for mosquito larvae and take proactive steps to eliminate them before they become a problem. Residents are encouraged to follow instructions from local authorities to prevent mosquito infestations in residential areas.

Dr. Oren Ashet Kathabi, Director of the Department of Zoonotic Diseases from the Public Health Division at the Ministry of Health explains how identifying and testing mosquitoes for infection works. West Nile fever is a disease transmitted through mosquito bites that causes symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, muscle weakness, and even death in severe cases. To prevent infection, residents should report any suspected hazards to local authorities so that they can take prompt action.

In conclusion, it is crucial for all stakeholders involved in this situation to work together towards preventing West Nile fever outbreaks by increasing monitoring efforts and taking proactive measures against potential threats posed by these tiny but dangerous creatures.