Israel records its first death of the season linked to the West Nile virus

A man in his seventies has died after contracting the West Nile virus, Israeli authorities announced. This is the first death related to this disease since the start of the current transmission season.

Ten people have been diagnosed in Israel so far. Three patients remain hospitalized in a condition considered satisfactory, while epidemiological investigations are underway to determine where they may have been exposed to infected mosquitoes.

The Ministries of Health and Environmental Protection announced that mosquitoes carrying the virus have been identified in Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Tayibe, Tira, Qalansawe, and the Lev Hasharon Regional Council.

Local authorities have been instructed to step up surveillance, mosquito control operations, and public awareness campaigns. Although virus-carrying mosquitoes had already been detected this year in southern Israel, this marks the first detection in central Israel this season.

According to health officials, mosquito activity typically increases between early June and late November.

"In the vast majority of cases, the disease is mild or causes no symptoms. More rarely, it can lead to serious complications such as encephalitis or meningitis," said Sigal Sadetski, head of the Public Health Division at the Ministry of Health.

People over the age of 60 and those with underlying medical conditions face a higher risk of developing severe illness.

Shay Reicher, director of the Pest Control Division at the Ministry of Environmental Protection, urged residents to eliminate standing water, where mosquitoes breed.

Authorities also recommend using insect repellent, installing window screens, wearing long, light-colored clothing, and reporting mosquito infestations or standing water to the municipal 106 hotline.