Dr. Shai Reicher, Director of the Pests and Vector Control Division at the Ministry of Environmental Protection: «As part of extensive monitoring activities routinely carried out by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus were captured in the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council and the Gezer Regional Council. Accordingly, the Ministry has instructed the relevant authorities to intensify prevention, monitoring, and control efforts within their jurisdictions. We call upon the public to protect themselves according to the Ministry’s guidelines, to drain standing water sources, and to cooperate with the authorities to reduce the mosquito population and lessen the risk of bites and morbidity».
Dr. Oren Shattach Catabi, head of the Department of Zoonotic Diseases at the Ministry of Health: «West Nile Fever is a disease transmitted to humans by the bite of mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. It is usually a mild illness without symptoms. In rare cases, severe symptoms such as brain or meningeal inflammation may also appear. Four patients have been confirmed with the disease since the beginning of the year».
During the summer, due to standing water and hot, humid weather, the risk of developing mosquitoes that can transmit diseases increases. While local authorities are responsible for public areas, the public is required to help with these actions:Dry out and drain all sources of standing water (buckets, plant saucers, old tires, gutters, pools, barrels, etc.)
- Dry out and drain all sources of standing water (buckets, plant saucers, old tires, gutters, pools, barrels, etc.)
- Use mosquito repellent, install screens on windows and doors, wear light-colored long clothing
- Use fans indoors and outdoors
- Report any mosquito or standing water nuisances in public spaces to your local authority’s hotline *106