The spread of West Nile fever in Gush Dan continues to be a cause for concern, with nearly 30 patients hospitalized with suspicion of the disease. Five of these patients are in intensive care units, sedated and ventilated. The health system is anticipating the possibility of hundreds more infections during the summer, with elderly individuals at a higher risk.
Lab tests at Beilinson Hospital confirmed that two deceased patients had West Nile fever, while three more patients are currently on ventilators. Tel Hashomer and Ichilov hospitals are also caring for ventilated patients. Another patient in his sixties is being treated at Wolfson Hospital in moderate condition. The Ministry of Health is urging the public to report any mosquito accumulation or standing water, protect themselves from bites, and seek medical attention if needed.
According to Prof. Nadav Davidovitz, the public health program head at Ben Gurion University, Israel has been dealing with West Nile fever since the 1950s. Although a tenth of the population has been exposed to the disease, only one percent will develop severe symptoms. The increased cases this summer may be due to climate changes leading to a higher viral load in birds. Prevention is key to avoiding further infections.
Pharmacy chains are seeing a surge in demand for mosquito repellents following reports of West Nile fever cases. As the disease has been present in Israel for many years, outbreaks tend to occur in peak waves during the summer months. The infection rate in Israel varies each year, with most cases reported in individuals over the age of 40. The areas most affected by infected mosquitoes include areas in Sharon, Hadera, Pardes Hana-Karkur, and Caesarea.
The symptoms of West Nile fever range from mild to severe, with neurological complications possible in approximately 1% of cases
