The Ministry of Health reported on Monday, June 24 that 32 patients have been diagnosed with West Nile fever. Out of these, 27 are hospitalized, with three requiring mechanical ventilation. Sadly, two individuals died from the disease last week at Beilinson hospital. All the patients are residents of central Israel. Local municipal services in the region are actively searching for and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds to prevent the spread of the disease.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has issued updated instructions to hospitals nationwide, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and disease prevention. West Nile fever has been a known issue in Israel for some time now. It is caused by mosquito bites carrying a specific virus, but it is not transmitted from person to person.
Around 80% of those infected show no symptoms, while the remaining 20% can experience varying degrees of severity, including fever, headaches, and body pain. Neurological complications are rare, affecting less than 1% of those infected. The elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms.
As measures are taken to contain the outbreak and treat those affected, it is essential for the public to be aware of the symptoms and take precautions to prevent mosquito bites in order to reduce the spread of West Nile fever.