In a follow-up on a report last week, the Israel Ministry of Health reports on a person who died after contracting West Nile fever.
The deceased is a 70-year-old man who developed symptoms in mid-July, died after being hospitalized due to complications of the disease.
Since the beginning of the season, ten patients have been diagnosed with the disease so far.
Most of the patients suffered from symptoms typical of the disease, including fever, rash and changes in consciousness. As of today, three of the patients are still hospitalized in good condition. Epidemiological investigations are continuing with the aim of locating the possible place of exposure to mosquitoes.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and the increased risk of sexually transmitted infection (STI) coinfections
In addition, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Health update on the capture of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile fever virus in Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Taiba, Tira, Qalanswa and the Lev Hasharon Regional Council.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection has instructed local authorities to expand the prevention, monitoring, information and eradication system and calls on all authorities to increase their activity in the field of sanitary pests.
In the summer, due to stagnant water and hot and humid weather, the risk of mosquito development increases. The responsibility for removing hazards and nuisances originating from sanitary pests in public areas lies with local authorities. In addition, the public is asked to assist in the effort in accordance with the guidelines:
Dry and drain sources of standing water, such as buckets, flowerpots, old tires, gutters, ornamental ponds, barrels and any vessel that may collect water.
Use a mosquito repellent containing an active ingredient such as DEET or another mosquito repellent approved for use, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Install screens on windows and doorways and wear long, light-colored clothing, especially during mosquito activity hours.
Turn on a fan when staying at home, on balconies, in gardens and in open areas.
Report mosquito infestations or sources of standing water in public spaces to the local authority’s 106 hotline.
At the same time, as part of the ongoing monitoring carried out by the ministries throughout the year, with an emphasis on the mosquito season, mosquitoes that were confirmed by the Ministry of Health laboratories as carriers of the West Nile fever virus were detected in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Taiba, Tira, Qalanswa and the Lev Hasharon Regional Council. Following the findings, the Ministry of Environmental Protection directed all local authorities, and the authorities where the mosquitoes were detected in particular, to expand prevention, monitoring, information and pest control activities, in order to reduce the risk of the spread of infected mosquitoes and protect public health.
As every year, from the beginning of June to the end of November, an increase in the prevalence of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile fever virus is expected. Therefore, the pest and pest control team at the Ministry of Environmental Protection conducts thousands of monitoring of mosquito larvae and hundreds of captures of adult mosquitoes throughout the year. The mosquitoes are being transferred to the Ministry of Health laboratories for identification and testing. Since the beginning of the year, mosquitoes carrying the virus have been reported to be captured in the south of the country, and this is the first report this year of infected mosquitoes being captured in the center of the country as well.
The ministries emphasize that residents’ reporting to the local authority is an important component in reducing mosquito pests and allows the authorities to focus monitoring and pest control activities quickly and effectively.
Prof. Sigal Sadetzki, head of the Public Health Division at the Ministry of Health: “West Nile fever is a disease transmitted to humans through the bite of mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. It is usually a mild disease without symptoms, but in exceptional cases serious symptoms such as encephalitis or meningitis may also appear. The risk of severe illness is higher among people aged 60 and over and people with underlying diseases, so it is especially important to adhere to preventive measures.”
Dr. Shai Reicher, Director of the Pest and Extermination Division at the Ministry of Environmental Protection: “In recent days, mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been captured in several locations in central Israel. A mosquito carrying the virus may transmit it to a person through a bite, thereby causing illness. The ministry has issued detailed instructions to local authorities to take immediate action aimed at reducing the risk to human health. In parallel with monitoring and extermination activities, the public also has an important role in reducing mosquito hazards. Drying up standing water and reporting to the local authority will allow for a significant reduction in the mosquito population and help protect public health and the environment.”