Israel’s Health Ministry has issued a warning following the detection of West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes in several locations, including the area surrounding Ben Gurion Airport. The discovery comes as the country grapples with an outbreak of the mosquito-borne illness during the current transmission season.

According to a ministry statement, 17 cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed since the start of this year’s activity season. Of these, one patient remains hospitalised whilst one person has died from the infection. Health officials have now confirmed that infected mosquitoes have been found in Petah Tikva, Kafr Qasem, and in the vicinity of Ben Gurion Airport, raising concerns about potential further spread in densely populated areas.

West Nile virus, transmitted through mosquito bites, can cause serious illness ranging from mild fever to severe neurological complications. The detection of infected mosquitoes in multiple locations, particularly near Israel’s busiest airport, has prompted heightened surveillance and control measures from public health authorities.

The Health Ministry is advising the public to take precautions against mosquito bites, including the use of insect repellent, protective clothing, and the removal of standing water where mosquitoes breed. Officials are implementing targeted mosquito control programmes in the affected areas to prevent further transmission during the remainder of the season.

Source: Maariv — Original article in Hebrew.