Two women in their 80s died at Beilinson Hospital, suspected of contracting West Nile Virus, according to an announcement by the hospital on Saturday.
In addition to the two fatalities, three other individuals are suspected of having contracted the virus and are currently awaiting laboratory test results at the hospital. Two of these patients have been discharged after showing improvement, while one remains hospitalized.
Two days ago, News 13 reported that two more patients were admitted to Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer, with one in critical condition. Additionally, two suspected cases were hospitalized at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.
A day earlier, another patient with West Nile virus was admitted to Ichilov Hospital in moderate condition. Currently, three patients are hospitalized at Ichilov: one in critical condition and two in moderate condition. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Health announced that mosquitoes infected with the virus were found in Ramat Gan.
Last Monday, it was revealed that five Tel Aviv residents in their 70s contracted West Nile virus. The five individuals were infected after being bitten by mosquitoes in Israel approximately two weeks ago.
The Ministry of Health stated that there is no cause for undue alarm, stating, "There is currently no unusual trend in West Nile Virus cases in Israel. [Although] West Nile Virus has been present in Israel for many years, primarily occurring between June and November, this year, the outbreak began earlier than usual, likely due to climate changes in Israel and globally. The humid weather in central Israel may be contributing to the breeding and development of mosquitoes in this region."
The Ministry recommended using mosquito repellents and fans in living areas, to prevent bites and infection.