Soroka University Medical Center in Be’er Sheva
Photo: Herzel Yosef
Teen hospitalized as West Nile fever hits Israel
18-year-old treated in ICU in Be'er Sheva after contracting virus typically spread by mosquitoes; Health Ministry says 57 patients so far diagnosed with sickness, with significant increase in number of cases recorded this year.
An 18-year-old boy has been hospitalized in the intensive care unit of Soroka University Medical Center in Be’er Sheva after contracting West Nile fever—a viral infection typically spread by mosquitoes.
West Nile fever is passed on to humans and animals when bitten by a mosquito which is infected by chickens.
The teenager was anesthetized and said to be in extremely serious condition, raising fears that others could be similarly affected as the virus shows signs of spreading across Israel.
According to facts published by the Health Ministry, a huge increase has been recorded in the number of patients diagnosed with the virus, which currently stands at 57.
(צילום: shutterstock)
West Nile fever is passed on to humans and animals when bitten by a mosquito which is infected by chickens.
The period at which the virus’s activity typically peaks in Israel takes place between mid-August and mid-October. The majority of those affected by West Nile fever live on the coastal plain and the coastal plain.
However, the majority of those who have contracted the sickness have been diagnosed with a mild form, similar to the flu virus which eventually disappears over time.
Symptoms of the virus tend to manifest themselves only between 5 - 21 days after the mosquito bite and the illness usually lasts between three and six days.
The symptoms typically include high fever, headaches, weakness, joint and muscular pains, Inflammation of the conjunctiva, external swelling and sometimes nausea and diarrhea.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Rare complications can arise, including acute inflammation of the brain and meningitis. In extremely rare cases, the virus can cause death.
This year witnessed a significant increase in the number of people suffering from West Nile fever when compared to the years 2011 - 2017. For the same period, a marked increase was recorded in the number of animals that had contracted the virus.
There is currently no vaccine against West Nile fever which is why medical authorities are urging people to take extra precautions against mosquito bites.
