The number of patients with West Nile fever in Gush Dan is rising, prompting health officials to issue a warning of potentially hundreds of cases if immediate action is not taken to eliminate mosquitoes. The disease has been present in Israel for decades, with outbreaks reported as far back as the 1950s. In recent years, the annual number of cases has remained steady, but the current wave of infections is particularly high. Mosquitoes carrying the virus have been found across Israel, from north to south.
Symptoms of West Nile fever include fever, headache, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, conjunctivitis, rash and in severe cases neurological signs such as meningitis or encephalitis. Most cases resolve on their own but it’s important to seek medical advice if symptoms worsen. It’s important to note that the disease does not spread from person to person and there’s no risk of infection from being near an infected individual.
Preventing West Nile fever involves avoiding mosquito bites through the use of repellents, nets on windows and doors, fans to keep mosquitoes away and appropriate clothing. There is currently no specific treatment for the disease and most cases are managed through symptom relief. Individuals with chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease, cancer infants and elderly people are at higher risk of developing severe illness. Additionally animals like dogs and cats are not known to transmit the virus to humans