Autumn has arrived, the mosquitoes are still here:
West Nile fever virus infected with mosquitoes was recently discovered in Beit Shemesh and the Arava.
Dr. Gal Zagron, director of the Pest and Pest Control Department at the Ministry of Environmental Protection, said: “Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile fever to humans, such incidents will increase in frequency in the coming years as climate change worsens and we call on authorities to urgently address areas where pests are detected.
It is important to inform the authorities about the existence of standing water hazards and sewer breaches, and that the public will be vigilant and take all measures to prevent bites and mosquito infestations. "
Every year the Ministry of Environmental Protection monitors and catches mosquitoes.
The adult mosquitoes are identified and tested in the laboratories of the Ministry of Health.
In the traps carried out in October in the Ramat Beit Shemesh III neighborhood and in the Sapir center in the Arava, mosquitoes infected with the virus were found.
As mentioned, the Jerusalem and southern districts of the Ministry of Environmental Protection alerted the Beit Shemesh Municipality and the Middle Arava Regional Council, and ordered increased monitoring in the affected area and, if necessary, immediate prevention and pest control measures.
In the coming months, the Ministry of Environmental Protection will come out with calls for support from local authorities to deal with mosquito pests.
What is West Nile Fever?
West Nile fever is a zoonotic disease, which originates in animals and is also transmitted to humans.
It is caused by a virus that is found mainly in birds and is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites.
The incubation period of West Nile fever lasts about seven to 14 days.
In most cases, it is a mild, flu-like illness that goes away on its own.
Signs of the disease: fever, headache, weakness, joint and muscle pain, conjunctivitis, rash and sometimes nausea and diarrhea.
How can West Nile fever be avoided?
The Ministry of Environmental Protection emphasizes that the local authorities have a responsibility to treat mosquito pests and it is important to inform them about the existence of standing water pests and sewage breaches.
In addition, it is worth knowing that relatively simple measures can be taken to reduce the amount of mosquitoes, such as drying water sources in yards, roofs and shelters.
It is also recommended to protect yourself from mosquito bites by installing nets in the windows of the house and applying mosquito repellent preparations if necessary.
