West Nile fever – 10 new diagnoses • Update 25/06/24

(haipo) - More cases of West Nile fever were discovered in Israel. At the end of the week (22/06/24) two people who contracted the disease died. This year's morbidity started earlier than usual, apparently as a result of the climate changes taking place in Israel and the world.

The Ministry of Health informed Lahi Pa:

Update from 25/06/24: So far, 42 people have been diagnosed with West Nile fever, of which 36 people have been hospitalized, of which five are on ventilators. One person who contracted West Nile fever died yesterday in Sheba, and it was suspected that another person suspected of having the virus died yesterday in Bilinson.

The article appeared on 24/06/24

So far, 32 people have been diagnosed with West Nile fever, of which 27 patients have been hospitalized, of which three are on ventilators. At the end of last week, as mentioned, two people who contracted the disease died.

As of this moment (24/6/24), all the patients are from the central region of the country.

In general, about 80% of those infected do not develop symptoms of West Nile fever. Approximately 20% of those infected will have symptoms of varying severity, including fever, general malaise, headaches or generalized body aches. Neurological complications will appear in less than 1% of those infected.

The Ministry of Health requests to refine the instructions for the medical teams, which were instructed to emphasize the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease.)

In order to reduce exposure to mosquitoes, it is recommended to use mosquito repellents and appropriate accessories to repel mosquitoes in the living rooms, as well as to turn on fans in the resting place.

West Nile fever has been known in Israel for many years, and most of its appearance occurs between the months of June and November. This year the morbidity started earlier than usual, and is probably due to the climate changes in Israel and the world, when the humid weather in the center of the country may promote the reproduction and development of mosquitoes in the area. The risk of significant morbidity is among adults and people suffering from immunosuppression.

In cases of West Nile fever, the Ministry of Health conducts an epidemiological investigation and the information is forwarded to the Ministry of Environmental Protection for prevention and local extermination activities by the authorities. In addition, the Ministries of Health and Environmental Protection inform the public about areas where mosquitoes infected with the virus are caught.

The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the data and will publish updates if necessary.