2 Israelis die of West Nile Fever, 68 hospitalized
West Nile Fever, a mosquito-borne virus, broke out in the Pardes Hanna-Karkur, Binyamina and Caesarea area, with this year's outbreak most severe in years.
Two Israelis have died and 68 others have been hospitalized with the West Nile Fever virus, the Health Ministry said Thursday.
Most patients are elderly people who have already been suffering from other conditions. But one of the patients is only 18 and is in critical condition.
Last weekend, mosquitos carrying the West Nile Fever virus have been detected in the Sharon region and north of it.
According to data published the Environmental Protection Ministry, infected mosquitos have been detected in the regional councils of Menashe and Alona, and around the cities of Pardes Hanna-Karkur, Binyamina and Caesarea. However, infection cases have been reported throughout the country.
The Evironmental Protection Ministry ordered local authorities to take actions to eradicate the mosquitos, and called on the public to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
West Nile Fever has struck Israel every summer over the past few years, but this summer's outbreak is reported to be the worst so far, according to the Health Ministry.
Many cases of West Nile Fever have also been reported in Europe this summer: In Italy, 123 cases have been reported so far, with three dying of the virus; in Greece, 75 cases have been reported with four dead; and Serbia has seen 126 cases, with 11 dead.
What causes West Nile Fever?
West Nile Fever is caused by a virus that is carried by birds. Mosquitos that bite the infected birds later bite humans, passing the virus to them.
When did the virus first appear in Israel?
According to the Health Ministry, the West Nile Fever virus has been common in Israel for many years. The first outbreak was documented in 1950-1954, and the second one in 1957.
In the 1970s and late 1980s, there was a spike in the virus’ activity. In 1997, it was detected in birds, and for the first time the virus infected flocks of force-fed geese, which were discovered to be very sensitive to the virus. A year later the virus broke out more violently.
In the year 2000, 400 people in Israel fell sick with West Nile Fever, but since then there have only been a few cases every year. Every year, about 70 Israelis are found to be infected with the virus, mostly people over 30 years old.
What are the symptoms of West Nile Fever?
West Nile Fever is usually a mild disease, but in some cases it can manifest severely and even be deadly. In most cases, it presents no symptoms. In others, some flu-like symptoms-—including headache, weakness, muscle pain, pink eye, rash, diarrhea and nausea—might appear, and pass without treatment.
In about one percent of the cases, the disease progresses and exhibits neurological symptoms that are similar to meningitis, encephalitis or poliomyelitis. The incubation period is between 3-35 days.
Can I get West Nile Fever from another person?
No. The virus does not transmit from person to person. Although the risk of infection is rare, people with chronic diseases that cause suppression of the immune system, cancer patients with a weakened immune system, babies, and elderly people are at higher risk.
If I had West Nile Fever before, can I get it again?
Yes. Being infected with the virus does not immune one from getting it again.
Is there a vaccination for the virus?
No. However, in 2015 a vaccination that was proven effective in lab animals went into clinical trials.
How do you prevent West Nile Fever?
The best way to prevent the disease is to avoid mosquito bites as much as possible—using repellents, window nets and dressing appropriately in the dangerous hours.
What are the warning signs?
There is no need to panic—you are not likely to have the virus, and the majority of mosquitos in Israel do not carry it.
However, in case of a fever that lasts more than a few days, vomiting when attempting to drink, fast breathing (more than 20 breaths a minute in adults, 40 in children), light sensitivity, delirium, urinary retention or severe headaches that cause you to wake up—visit the emergency room.
