JERUSALEM, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Israel recorded its first case of West Nile fever this year, the country's health and environmental protection ministries said in a joint statement on Thursday.
The ministries said the patient is a Tel Aviv resident, adding that no mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been detected this year despite ongoing monitoring efforts.
The ministries urged the public to eliminate standing water and take protective measures against mosquito bites, as mosquitoes can transmit West Nile fever after feeding on infected birds.
Israel experienced a severe outbreak of West Nile fever in 2024, with more than 930 diagnosed cases and 73 deaths. Health authorities attributed the outbreak to warmer and wetter weather that created favorable breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Last year, only four cases were reported, with no deaths.
Most people infected with the West Nile virus develop mild or no symptoms. In rare cases, however, the disease can cause serious complications such as encephalitis or meningitis, which may lead to paralysis, brain damage or death. ■
