Health Ministry warns: Dangerous mosquitoes detected in the Ben Gurion Airport area
According to the ministry's spokesperson, since the beginning of the West Nile fever activity season to date, 17 patients have been diagnosed, one of whom is still hospitalized and one has passed away. It is now reported that infected mosquitoes have been detected in Petah Tikva, Kafr Qasim, and Ben Gurion Airport.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Health updated today (Wednesday) on the trapping of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus in the area of Petah Tikva, Kafr Qasim, Kafr Bara, the Ben Gurion Airport area, and the Brenner and Central Arava regional councils. This follows reports last week of trappings in the Menashe Regional Council, Ramat HaSharon, and Eilat.
According to the ministry's spokesperson, since the beginning of the West Nile fever activity season to date, 17 patients have been diagnosed, one of whom is still hospitalized and one has passed away. "Most patients suffered from symptoms characteristic of the disease, including fever, rash, and changes in mental status. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to identify the possible place of exposure to the mosquitoes," it was further stated.
It was also noted that the Ministry of Environmental Protection has instructed all local authorities, and specifically those where the mosquitoes were detected, to expand prevention, monitoring, public awareness, and extermination activities in order to reduce the risk of the spread of infected mosquitoes.
To avoid the development of mosquitoes, the Ministry of Health recommended several actions:
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Drain and empty standing water sources, such as buckets, flower pot saucers, old tires, gutters, ornamental ponds, barrels, and any container that might collect water.
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Use a mosquito repellent containing an active ingredient such as DEET or another repellent approved for use, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
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Install screens on windows and openings and wear long, light-colored clothing, especially during mosquito activity hours.
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Operate a fan while staying at home, on balconies, in gardens, and in open areas.
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Report mosquito hazards or standing water sources in public spaces to the local authority's 106 hotline.
It was further noted by the ministry that from the beginning of June until the end of November, an increase in the prevalence of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus is expected. "The ministries emphasize that reports from residents to the local authority are an important component in reducing mosquito hazards and allow the authorities to focus monitoring and extermination efforts quickly and efficiently," it was stated in conclusion.
Prof. Sigal Sadetsky, Head of Public Health Services at the Ministry of Health, stated:
"West Nile fever is a disease transmitted to humans through the bite of mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. It is usually a mild disease without symptoms, but in exceptional cases, severe symptoms such as encephalitis or meningitis may appear. The risk of severe disease is higher among people aged 60 and over and people with underlying conditions, so it is especially important to adhere to preventive measures."
Dr. Shay Reichert, Director of the Pest and Extermination Division at the Ministry of Environmental Protection, added:
"During the past week, mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus were trapped in several locations in the center of the country as well as in one location in the south of the country. These cases join a number of previous reports and indicate an increase in the risk of humans being exposed to the virus due to a bite from a mosquito carrying it. We call on the public to drain standing water and report any mosquito hazard to the local authority."
