Israel's Health Ministry: At least 42 people have West Nile Virus, 36 hospitalized, five intubated.
Ichilov Hospital starts clinical trial for Interferon against West Nile virus. Dr. Alrai-Price addresses spread of disease, urging people to "Avoid places with mosquitos in residential areas."
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that primarily infects birds but can also infect humans, horses, and other animals.
The Health Ministry has published new guidelines and protocols for the virus, which hit central Israel in recent weeks.
Since there is no treatment for the disease, the only way to deal with it is to prevent mosquito bites by using mosquito repellents.
The Health Ministry recommends that residents reduce their exposure to mosquitoes by using repellents and other anti-mosquito devices, including fans, in their homes.
Three of them are in serious condition and are hospitalized in intensive care.
West Nile fever is caused by a virus primarily present in birds and transferred to humans through mosquito bites. Those infected typically experience flu-like symptoms.
One person has died due to West Nile Fever since the beginning of the year.
Climate change is likely the culprit for mosquitoes arriving earlier, as warming temperatures were seen to impact diseases transmitted by mosquitoes in other places.
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