The number of patients diagnosed with West Nile fever in 2024 has increased significantly compared to previous years, according to data collected by the Ministry of Health. In 2024, seven patients were diagnosed between January and June, compared to six patients in 2023 and only two patients in 2022.
At Sheba Hospital, six patients have been treated so far, with three discharged and one patient from Tel Aviv in mild condition. Two other patients are in serious condition – one from the Savion area and the other from Herzliya. According to Maichilov, as of this hour, one patient is admitted to the hospital in serious condition, ventilated and sedated, one in moderate condition, one in mild-moderate condition, and another patient in moderate condition. A total of seven verified patients were treated on the spot.
In Belinson Hospital, five suspected cases were recorded that were not verified and are awaiting laboratory results. Two of them were released, and two women in their 80s died.
Prof. Cyril Cohen, head of the immunotherapy laboratory at Bar-Ilan University, is concerned that there has been a significant increase in cases this year compared to previous years. He believes this may be related to changes in the weather, such as increased rainfall leading to stagnant water accumulation and extreme temperatures contributing to more mosquitoes in the area, some of which carry the virus. He urges older people and those with poor immune systems to take precautions.
The Ministry of Health recommends using mosquito repellents and other accessories to prevent mosquito exposure, especially during the months of June to November when West Nile fever is more common. They attribute the early start of morbidity this year to climate changes that have created conditions favorable for mosquitoes to reproduce in central Israel. The risk of morbidity is higher among adults and immunocompromised individuals
