Dr. Shai Reicher, Head of the Pest and Pest Control Division at the ministry of Environmental Protection: “During routine monitoring activities, mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus were detected in Ramla. Accordingly, the ministry has instructed the local authority to increase prevention and pest control efforts. We call on the public to take protective measures, drain standing water sources, and cooperate with the authorities to reduce the mosquito population and the risk of bites”.
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 through the bite of mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. In most cases, it is a mild disease with no symptoms. In rare cases, severe symptoms such as encephalitis or meningitis may also appear. Since the start of the year, four cases of the disease have been confirmed”.
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
The Ministry of Environmental Protection recently launched a public awareness campaign encouraging the public to drain standing water in their homes and gardens to prevent bites and dangerous diseases. The campaign’s central message is: No standing water – no mosquitoes.
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