JERUSALEM, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- A 70-year-old man has died from West Nile fever, marking Israel's first death from the virus this year, the country's health and environmental protection ministries said in a joint statement on Thursday.
According to the statement, the man developed symptoms in mid-July and died after being hospitalized due to complications from the disease.
The number of people infected with West Nile virus in Israel this year has risen to 10, with all cases diagnosed in recent weeks, and three patients are currently hospitalized, said the statement.
The ministries also reported that mosquitoes carrying the virus were detected in several areas in central Israel, including Tel Aviv-Yafo, and called on local authorities and residents to increase prevention efforts.
Residents are urged to remove standing water, use mosquito repellents and report mosquito hazards, said the statement.
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.
West Nile fever is transmitted primarily through mosquito bites. Most people infected with the 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.
