An outbreak of West Nile fever in Israel has been ongoing since early May and is increasing rapidly. 12 people have died from this fever in the country. Along with this, 31 people have died since the beginning of May.
The Ministry of Health reported 49 new infections on Friday, bringing the total number of West Nile fever cases in the country to 405, Xinhua news agency reported. Earlier, the annual record of this fever was 425 cases, which was recorded in the year 2000. The total number of cases this year rose to 405, approaching the number of cases in 2000.
About this growing disease, the ministry says that the outbreak of West Nile fever is increasing due to hot and more humid weather in the region. This season is favorable for the breeding of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes bite birds. After this, the virus spreads to humans.
According to an Israeli news website, most of the people suffering from West Nile fever are elderly. Also, the infection of this virus has been found in children. Most people with infections have no symptoms of a cold, even if a person does have symptoms of a cold, those symptoms are mild. However, some people sometimes develop serious diseases and it affects the nervous system of the infected person.
Israel’s chief veterinary officer, Tamir Goshen, told the news website earlier this week that 159 birds were found to be infected with the virus in the past two months, compared to just three birds in 2023.