advanceindianews.inJERUSALEM, July 18 (Xinhua) — Israel’s Health Ministry on Monday reported three new deaths from West Nile fever, bringing the total death toll in the ongoing outbreak in Israel to 36.
The ministry also reported 57 new cases of infection with the virus, raising the total number of infections since the beginning of May to 543.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through bird and mosquito bites. Most human infections do not cause cold symptoms or are mild, but occasionally some people may develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system.
Earlier this week, Israel’s Environmental Protection Ministry reported the capture of mosquitoes infected with the virus in several locations in central Israel, including the cities of Tel Aviv, Kiryat Ono and Herzliya, and in the Sharon Plain region.
Following the detection, the Ministry ordered local authorities to further increase surveillance and extermination and called on the population to dry up sources of stagnant water. ■
