Mosquitoes infected with West Nile fever were discovered in Ramat Gan, the Ministry of Environmental Protection announced today. These infected mosquitoes were captured during routine monitoring conducted in the past two weeks. The Ministry informed the municipality about the presence of the infected mosquitoes and ordered increased monitoring in the affected areas. Immediate prevention and control measures were also mandated if necessary.
The Ministry’s pest control and extermination team regularly monitors mosquito larvae in water sources and captures adult mosquitoes throughout the year. Captured mosquitoes are sent to Ministry of Health laboratories for identification and testing. If West Nile virus is detected, an alert is issued to local authorities for prompt action.
During summer months, stagnant water combined with hot and humid weather creates ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. From June to November, there is a higher risk of finding mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus. The Ministry advises Israeli authorities to step up their monitoring and extermination efforts to prevent hazards. They also remind local authorities to educate residents on preventing mosquito breeding in their surroundings.
Dr. Oren Ashet Kathabi from the Ministry of Health explains how captured mosquitoes are tested for disease agents at Ministry labs. The Ministry tracks cases of West Nile fever among humans and animals and alerts relevant authorities when necessary. So far this year, 8 people have been diagnosed with the disease.
West Nile fever is a viral disease transmitted from infected birds to humans through mosquito bites
