Jerusalem, 1 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Environmental Protection Ministry and Health Ministry reported the capture of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus in Ramat HaSharon, as well as in the Hefer Valley, Lev HaSharon and Eilot regional councils.
The Health Ministry said 20 patients have been diagnosed with West Nile virus since the start of the season, with one currently hospitalized and one deceased. Most patients presented with typical symptoms including fever, rash and altered consciousness. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to identify potential mosquito exposure sites.
The Environmental Protection Ministry instructed all local authorities, particularly those where infected mosquitoes were detected, to expand prevention, monitoring, public information and extermination measures to reduce the risk of the virus’s spread and protect public health.