West Nile virus found in mosquitoes at Israel's main airport as cases rise to 17

Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been found at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport, the country's health and environmental protection ministries said in a joint statement on Wednesday, reported Xinhua.

Additional virus-carrying mosquitoes were also detected in other parts of central and southern Israel, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, the ministries reported four new cases of West Nile fever, bringing the national total to 17 so far this year.

According to the statement, most patients have experienced typical symptoms, including fever, rash and altered consciousness.

In response, local authorities across the country have been instructed to intensify surveillance, prevention, and mosquito-control efforts to curb further transmission.

Earlier this month, the ministries reported the death of a 70-year-old man who had been hospitalized with complications after developing symptoms in mid-July.

West Nile virus is transmitted primarily through mosquito bites. While most people infected experience mild or no symptoms, a small proportion can develop serious neurological complications such as encephalitis or meningitis, which may lead to paralysis, brain damage, or death.