Dozens Of Dead And Hundreds Of Others Infected With West Nile Virus In Israel Since June

Illustration of mosquitoes. (Wikimedia Commons/JJ Harrison)

JAKARTA - Israel's Ministry of Health announced on Sunday that the number of diagnosed patients infected with the West Nile virus increased to 710 people.

Meanwhile, the death toll of those infected with the virus has reached 46, since the outbreak began in June, according to the ministry, reported The Times of Israel July 29.

West Nile fever has previously occurred in Israel. Usually, it occurs between June and November. This year, events started earlier than usual, possibly due to climate change in Israel and around the world.

West Nile fever is a disease caused by the West Nile virus. This virus is mainly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, especially the mosquito species that eat birds. This virus does not spread from person to person.

Citing JNS, people in central Israel and the wider Tel Aviv are at risk of contracting the disease, as high humidity creates a good breeding ground for mosquitoes that spread it, according to the ministry.

According to the Ministry of Health, about 80 percent of people infected with the West Nile virus are asymptomatic.

While about 20 percent of others may experience various symptoms, including fever, headache and body aches.

Meanwhile, less than 1 percent of those infected will experience rare complications such as acute inflammation of the brain or meningitis.

Israeli authorities have urged health officials to step up monitoring and efforts to eradicate mosquitoes, while urging the public to take precautions.