Israel's Environmental Protection Ministry confirmed that a few mosquitos in the country are carrying the West Nile virus. These are the first cases in Israel for this year.
Local health authorities also warned those with coronavirus to take extra precautions against mosquito bites. Currently, there is no cure for West Nile fever. The Environmental Protection Ministry said, "preventing mosquito bites is the main way to break the cycle of transmitting the disease to humans."
The West Nile virus is transmitted via Culex Pipiens and Culex Perexiguus mosquitos, which is native to Europe. These species of house mosquitos can also carry other diseases such as Western Equine Encephalitis and St. Louis Encephalitis. The mosquitoes can also carry bird malaria and Heartworm, which infects dogs.
West Nile Fever
The West Nile fever has similar symptoms to mild influenzas, such as a fever, which may last for three to six days, a headache, pain, and sometimes nausea. Complicated cases may result in meningitis or encephalitis, but the disease is not typically fatal.
In Israel, infected mosquitos are usually identified between August and October. Mosquitos carrying the disease are also most active during the day when the weather is warmer.
Two years ago, there were three reported deaths associated with West Nile fever. In 2019, there were 32 cases across 27 areas in the country. There were also infected animals as the Health Ministry detected infected mosquitos in 34 different localities.
Professor Schlomit Paz from the University of Haifa believes that the rising cases of West Nile fever are due to climate change. More mosquitos are finding their way north from Africa, where mosquito activity is rampant.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University also researched the impact of current greenhouse gas emissions on mosquito life cycles. Alongside Imperial College London, they've predicted the accelerated rate of mosquito breeding in the next few decades. Warmer weather would allow mosquito-borne diseases to have longer seasons.
READ MORE: Dengue and Other Mosquito Diseases Are Slowly Making Their Way North
West Nile Virus & Coronavirus
Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Ministry is particularly concerned about the possible complications with the current coronavirus outbreak. "Patients living in areas where infected mosquitos have been found should be especially alert to the possibility of West Nile fever disease," said the ministry. American epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers said, "This is a reminder that even though we are amid the transmission of COVID-19, West Nile virus has not gone away."
Up to date, Israel has recorded over 97,000 cases of Covid-19 and 780 deaths. By July, the country faced a second wave after they suspected that the pandemic had subsided when there were less than 2,000 cases. There was a dramatic rise in cases by August due to mass protests and other activities.
Reducing exposure to infected mosquitos include getting rid of stagnant water in trash bins, potted plants, containers, swimming pools, gutters, fish ponds, and other areas that have collected water. The ministry also recommends wearing protective clothing, using mosquito nets indoors, and using insect repellents.
READ NEXT: Mosquitos Carrying Dengue, Zika, Yellow Fever Would Be More Prevalent by 2030, Study Warns
Check out more news and information on the West Nile Virus and other updates on Medicine & Health on Science Times.
