Israel urges mosquito control after West Nile virus detected in South

Health and environmental ministries in Israel announced the detection of female mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in the Tamar Regional Council area of southern Israel. Following this discovery, the council has been instructed to intensify its prevention, monitoring, public awareness, and mosquito control efforts. Local authorities nationwide have also been urged to enhance measures against mosquito breeding.

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Most cases are mild or produce no symptoms, she said, although serious complications, including encephalitis or meningitis, can develop in rare cases.

So far this year, six cases of West Nile fever have been diagnosed in Israel. While no other infected mosquito populations have been identified, authorities warn that the risk of additional outbreaks is elevated from June to November, coinciding with peak mosquito activity. West Nile fever is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitoes, which contract the virus from birds, the virus's natural reservoir. The disease does not spread from person to person.

Prof. Sigal Sadetzki, head of the Health Ministry’s Public Health Division, highlighted the importance of public awareness. She noted that most infections are asymptomatic or mild, resembling flu-like symptoms. However, in rare instances, severe complications like encephalitis or meningitis can occur, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic illnesses. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or human vaccine for West Nile fever; treatment focuses on symptom relief and supportive care.

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The first capture of infected mosquitoes in 2026 showed that the nationwide monitoring system was operating continuously and could identify areas of risk in real time.

Officials from the Environmental Protection Ministry stated that the early detection of infected mosquitoes confirms the effectiveness of the nationwide monitoring system. Dr. Shai Reicher, director of the ministry’s Pest Control Division, stressed that public participation is crucial alongside official control measures. Residents can contribute by eliminating standing water sources and reporting potential mosquito breeding grounds, as high temperatures and stagnant water create ideal conditions for mosquitoes during summer.

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Residents can help by eliminating standing water and reporting mosquito hazards.