Two individuals have tragically lost their lives to West Nile fever in Israel as of Monday, June 24th. According to the Ministry of Health, there have been 32 patients diagnosed with the disease, out of which 27 are currently hospitalized, including three who require mechanical ventilation. All the patients are residents of central Israel.
In response to the outbreak, municipal services in various cities are actively searching for and eliminating breeding grounds for mosquitoes that transmit the disease. The Ministry of Health has also provided updated guidelines to hospitals nationwide, emphasizing early detection and prevention measures.
West Nile fever is a known illness in Israel that is transmitted by mosquitoes carrying a specific virus. It is not spread from person to person but rather through the bite of an infected mosquito. Approximately 80% of infected individuals show no symptoms, while 20% experience varying degrees of illness such as fever, headaches, and body aches. Severe neurological complications affect less than 1% of infected persons, with older adults and those with weakened immune systems at higher risk.
This situation underscores the importance of public health interventions and community awareness in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. It is crucial for individuals to take precautions such as using mosquito repellent and eliminating standing water around their homes to reduce the risk of contracting West Nile fever.
The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates on any further developments related to West Nile fever in Israel.
