A 70-year-old man has died after contracting the West Nile virus in Israel, bringing the number of confirmed infections recorded in the country this season to 10, according to the Health Ministry.
The man reportedly began experiencing symptoms in mid-July before being hospitalised after developing complications linked to the infection. His death has prompted renewed attention on mosquito-borne disease prevention as infected mosquitoes have also been detected in several parts of central Israel.
In a joint statement, the Health Ministry and Ministry of Environmental Protection said mosquitoes carrying the virus were identified for the first time this year in areas including Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tayibe, Tira, Qalansawe and the Lev HaSharon Regional Council. Infected mosquitoes had previously been detected in southern Israel earlier this year.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection has instructed local authorities to strengthen mosquito control measures, monitoring activities and public awareness campaigns. Authorities have also been urged to step up pest-control efforts to reduce the risk of further transmission.
Health Ministry Public Health Division head Professor Sigal Sadetzki explained that West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which typically acquire the virus after feeding on infected birds.
She said most infections are mild or produce no symptoms, although a small number of cases can develop serious complications, including inflammation of the brain or the membranes surrounding it. The risk of severe illness is higher among people aged 60 and above as well as those with certain underlying health conditions.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Environmental Protection Pest Control Division director Dr Shai Reicher said infected mosquitoes had been detected at several locations in central Israel in recent days. He stressed that an infected mosquito can transmit the virus to humans through a bite.
The ministry has issued detailed instructions to local authorities to take immediate action to minimise the public health risk. Reicher also called on members of the public to play their part by reducing potential mosquito breeding sites around their homes and communities.
West Nile virus normally circulates among birds and is mainly transmitted to humans through mosquitoes, particularly those from the Culex species. The virus does not spread directly from one person to another.
Most people infected with the virus experience mild symptoms or none at all. However, serious neurological complications such as encephalitis and meningitis can occur, particularly among older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or approved human vaccine for West Nile virus. Treatment is instead focused on managing symptoms and supporting patients according to the severity of their condition.
Israel recorded a major outbreak in 2024, when more than 930 cases were reported alongside around 73 deaths. Favourable weather conditions for mosquito breeding were among the factors linked to the increase in infections that year, while the number of cases fell significantly in 2025.
