West Nile Virus Outbreak Claim 36 Lives in Israel

Israel faces a severe West Nile virus outbreak with 36 fatalities and 543 confirmed cases.

The Israeli Ministry of Health has announced a significant rise in the death toll from the ongoing West Nile virus outbreak, with 36 fatalities reported since June.

Israel is currently grappling with a severe West Nile virus outbreak. According to the Ministry of Health, the number of confirmed cases has reached 543. In response, the public is being urged to use mosquito repellent products to mitigate the spread of the virus.

Health experts stated that approximately 80 percent of individuals infected with the West Nile virus remain asymptomatic. However, 20 percent may experience symptoms such as fever, headache, and joint pain. It is further noted that about 1 percent of infected individuals could develop severe symptoms, including encephalitis or meningitis.

What is West Nile Virus?

First identified in Uganda in 1937, West Nile Virus is an arbovirus infection that has progressively spread across the globe. The primary hosts of this virus are wild birds, and it is transmitted to humans through the bites of Culex mosquitoes. The virus is not transmitted directly from person to person.

Culex mosquitoes, which breed in stagnant water and septic tanks, are the key vectors for this virus. They typically feed on blood during the night. West Nile virus infection is potentially life-threatening and can cause a range of neurological symptoms.