West Nile virus appears to be hitting harder in Israel this year than last, as health officials on Monday night, the eve of 17 Elul reported that a 61-year-old male with advanced metastatic cancer became the latest fatality. He was niftar in Beilinson Hospital.

According to the Ministry of Health, there are areas showing higher concentrations of persons diagnosed with the illness, including the Gezer Regional Council, Gush Etzion Regional Council, Mazkeret Batya, Caesarea, and Pardes Chana. The illness is spread by infected mosquitos, and ministry officials advises residents of the country about the illness and the benefit of ridding one’s home of mosquitoes, at the very least as much as possible, using the various means available today.

A number of days ago, a 70-year-old man died in Assuta Hospital in Ashdod of West Nile. According to the Health Ministry on Monday night, there are 74 confirmed cases nationwide, of which 14 patients are listed in serious condition.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)