The summer season has just begun in Israel, but West Nile fever remains a pressing concern. Despite the beginning of the summer, at least 25 residents have been hospitalized in Ichilov and Sheba hospitals after contracting the virus. Some of these patients are in intensive care units on ventilators. Doctors in Israel have not seen such a high number of cases of the usually mild disease, which can be life-threatening in older individuals.
At Ichilov Hospital, one patient is in serious condition on a ventilator, while another has been weaned off and is in moderate condition. Several other patients were released home. Sheba Medical Center also has patients in serious condition. The outbreak has been concentrated in certain areas, with infected mosquitoes mainly found in the Sharon, Hadera, Pardes Hana-Karkur, Binyamina, and Caesarea regions.
West Nile fever has been present in Israel for many years, with outbreaks occurring in the summer. The disease was first documented in the 1950s and has resurfaced periodically since then. Symptoms include fever, headache, weakness, joint and muscle pain, and more severe cases can lead to neurological complications. There is no vaccine for humans, but there is one available for horses.
Prevention is key as there is no specific treatment for West Nile fever. This includes using mosquito repellents, nets on windows, and appropriate clothing to prevent bites. Avoiding areas with a high mosquito population and reporting them to authorities can also help reduce the risk. It’s important to note that the disease does not spread from person to person and there is a low risk of serious illness except for those with weakened immune systems.
The Israeli Health Ministry advises citizens to take precautions against West Nile fever by using mosquito repellents and nets on windows when sleeping or resting outside during nighttime hours when mosquitoes are most active.
It’s crucial that people remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or areas where infected mosquitoes may be present to authorities so that proper measures can be taken to prevent further spread of the disease.
In conclusion West Nile fever remains a significant public health concern for Israel as summer begins despite efforts towards prevention through education campaigns and distribution of repellents by health authorities
