24 Jul 2024 | 03:09 PM UTC
Israel: Elevated West Nile virus activity reported in multiple areas, especially central Israel, in July /update 1
Elevated West Nile virus activity reported in multiple areas in Israel, especially central Israel, in July. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health officials have reported elevated West Nile virus activity in multiple areas in Israel, with an additional 485 cases reported July 2-21, bringing the total to 566 cases since May 1. This is compared to the 49 cases reported for 2023. Most of the cases detected so far have been concentrated in central Israel, with a few cases reported in Haifa and Beer Sheva. The Israeli Ministry of Health recommends using mosquito repellent and suitable devices to repel mosquitoes in living areas, wearing long clothing at night when mosquitos are most active, installing screens in windows, and draining sources of standing water that could serve as mosquito breeding sites. This report represents the most up-to-date information available as of July 24.
Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas.
The risk of West Nile virus is present year-round in Israel, with the risk highest from June through November, mainly in late summer and early autumn. Health officials reported 49 West Nile virus cases in Israel in 2023, 35 cases in 2022, 38 cases in 2021, and 24 cases in 2020.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most infected people develop no symptoms. However, approximately 20 percent of infected people develop febrile illness characterized by symptoms of fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. Fewer than 1 percent of infected individuals develop serious neurologic illness, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms typically appear 2-6 days after being bitten but can develop up to 14 days after exposure.
