West Nile fever cases rise to 'outbreak' level in Israel

One hundred and fifty-three Israelis have been diagnosed with the West Nile virus, according to the Israeli Health Ministry. At least 11 of those diagnosed have died from the disease.

Most virus cases in the country have been concentrated in southern and central Israel, which are geographically closer to Egypt and the Nile region. The risk of contracting the virus is currently considered particularly high in and around Tel Aviv due to its central location and high humidity, which attracts mosquitos.

Dr. Shai Reicher, director of the Israeli Environmental Protection Ministry’s Pests and Pest Control Department, stressed that the ministry continues its work to identify and locate infected mosquito beds throughout the country.

Reicher said mosquito-infected areas have so far been found "in Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Kiryat Ono, Petah Tikva, Lev Hasharon Regional Council, and Even Yehuda Local Council in central Israel, as well as in Eilat and the Hevel Eilot Regional Council in the south."

"Based on the monitoring results, the Environmental Protection Ministry has instructed all municipalities to intensify pest control efforts," Reicher stated.

Originating in Africa, the West Nile virus is spread when infected mosquitos bite animals and humans. The disease is particularly common in Africa and the Middle East but is also found in parts of Europe and the United States.

West Nile is a mild, seasonal disease, with cases typically appearing in Israel and other warm countries between June and November, when temperatures are high with high levels of humidity, creating optimal breeding conditions for mosquitos.

Common symptoms of the disease include fever, diarrhea, muscle pain, headache and general weakness, however, according to the Health Ministry, 80% of the patients do not experience any symptoms when infected. The incubation time is between 7 and 14 days and like most illnesses, individuals with a weak immune system or in poor health are at a greater risk of death.

About 1% of the cases are severe and could lead to neurological problems. Unlike the COVID pandemic, West Nile fever is not contagious and there is currently no vaccine for humans against the virus.

Last month, Dr. Yevgeni Katzman, an expert in infectious diseases at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, stressed the importance of informing the public about the West Nile virus and its potential dangers.

“This is an outbreak so it is important to alert and warn the public,” Katzman said. “In all my years as a doctor, I have never seen so many patients arriving so close together to be hospitalized because of the disease,” he added.

Cases of the West Nile virus have also been registered across the Mediterranean region and in India.