August 7, 2026 | 03:58 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A 70-year-old man has died from West Nile fever, marking Israel's first death from the virus this year, according to a joint statement from the country's health and environmental protection ministries on Thursday.
According to the statement, the man developed symptoms in mid-July and died after being hospitalized due to complications from the disease.
As quoted by ANTARA, the number of West Nile virus infections in Israel this year has risen to 10, with all cases diagnosed in recent weeks, and three patients still receiving treatment in hospitals, the statement said.
The two ministries reported detecting mosquitoes carrying the virus in several areas of central Israel, including Tel Aviv-Yafo. They urged local governments and communities to increase their prevention efforts.
The statement continued, urging the public to eliminate standing water, use mosquito repellent, and report potential mosquito-related dangers.
Israel experienced a severe West Nile fever outbreak in 2024, with more than 930 confirmed cases and 73 deaths. Health authorities attributed the outbreak to warmer, wetter weather, which created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. Last year, only four cases were reported, with no deaths.
West Nile fever is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites. Most people infected with the virus experience mild or no symptoms at all. However, in rare cases, the disease can cause serious complications such as encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, brain damage, and even death.
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