Israel Confirms First West Nile Fever Case of 2026

Israel’s Health Ministry and Environmental Protection Ministry confirmed the first human case of West Nile fever in the country’s 2026 summer season. The patient is a Tel Aviv resident, while officials said the location of infection has not been established. The ministries said monitoring since the season began has not detected mosquitoes carrying the virus, and the relevant local authority was instructed to intensify prevention, monitoring, pest control and public information. Officials urged residents to eliminate standing water, use mosquito repellent and screens, and report mosquito hazards, noting that most infections are mild or asymptomatic but rare cases can cause encephalitis or meningitis.