Ramat Gan, Israel – Two elderly women in their 80s tragically passed away at the Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Campus on Saturday after reportedly contracting West Nile fever, according to local reports. The outbreak has also led to the hospitalization of at least twenty-five residents in central Israel, with the majority being in their seventies. The severity of the virus has forced some patients to rely on ventilators in intensive care units.
Health officials in Israel are grappling with the unprecedented scale of the outbreak, as reports indicate that such a widespread occurrence of the disease has not been encountered before by medical professionals in the country. West Nile fever, while usually mild in most cases, poses a severe threat to elderly individuals, leading to fatalities in some instances.
In response to the outbreak, medical facilities such as Ichilov Hospital and Sheba Medical Center are working tirelessly to care for those affected by the virus. Despite the efforts of healthcare providers, the number of hospitalized patients continues to rise, with some individuals in critical condition. The situation is dire, with additional cases likely going unreported among those who have not sought emergency care.
The Health Ministry in Israel has pointed out that West Nile virus has been a persistent issue in the country for years, with spikes in cases typically observed during the summer months. The disease, carried by infected mosquitoes, has historically been prevalent in the Sharon area but has now spread across the country, affecting communities from north to south.
Symptoms of West Nile fever can range from mild flu-like illness to severe neurological complications, leading to conditions such as meningitis or acute encephalitis. While most cases remain asymptomatic, vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing severe forms of the disease. Preventative measures, including using mosquito repellents and reporting potential breeding grounds, are crucial in curbing the spread of the virus.
As health authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide care to those affected, the focus remains on containing the outbreak and preventing further casualties. The severity of this year’s outbreak underscores the importance of public awareness and proactive measures to combat the spread of West Nile virus in communities across Israel.