the ministry has instructed the local authorities to expand prevention, monitoring, public information, and pest control efforts.
Dr. Shai Reicher, Head of the Pests and Pest Control Division at the Ministry of Environmental Protection: “In monitoring activities carried out by the authority under the Ministry’s guidance, mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus were captured in Ofakim. Accordingly, the Ministry has instructed to increase prevention, monitoring, and pest control activities. We call on the public to protect themselves and cooperate with the authorities to reduce the mosquito population and the risk of bites”.
Dr. Oren Shattach Catabi, Director of the Zoonotic Diseases Department at the Public Health Division, Ministry of Health: “West Nile fever is a disease transmitted to humans through the bite of mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. It is usually a mild disease with no symptoms; in rare cases, severe symptoms such as inflammation of the brain or meninges may also appear. Since the beginning of the year, three patients have been confirmed with the disease”.
During the summer, due to standing water and hot, humid weather, the risk of mosquito development increases. Responsibility for removing public health nuisances caused by pests in public areas lies with the local authority, but the public is also required to assist by drying out standing water in private areas (gardens, yards, balconies, etc.).
What You Can Do:
- 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
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