A man in his 70s has died after contracting West Nile virus, marking the first fatality of the current season.

Since the beginning of the transmission season, ten people have been diagnosed with the disease in Israel. The Health Ministry said that three patients remain hospitalized in good condition, while epidemiological investigations are continuing to determine where they were likely exposed to infected mosquitoes.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry and the Environmental Protection Ministry announced that routine monitoring has identified mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tayibe, Tira, Qalansawe, and the Lev HaSharon Regional Council. Following the findings, the Environmental Protection Ministry instructed local authorities to expand prevention, monitoring, public awareness, and mosquito-control efforts.

The Environmental Protection Ministry noted that virus-carrying mosquitoes had previously been detected this year in southern Israel, and that this is the first report this year of infected mosquitoes being found in central Israel. The ministry also stated that the prevalence of virus-carrying mosquitoes typically increases each year from the beginning of June through the end of November.

The Health and Environmental Protection ministries urged the public to help reduce mosquito breeding by draining standing water, using mosquito repellents, installing window screens, wearing light-colored long-sleeved clothing, and using fans when spending time outdoors. The public was also asked to report mosquito infestations or standing water in public areas to their local authority's 106 municipal hotline.

Prof. Sigal Sadetski, head of the Public Health Division at the Health Ministry, said, "West Nile fever is a disease transmitted to humans through the bite of mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. In most cases it is a mild illness with no symptoms, but in rare cases severe complications such as encephalitis or meningitis may develop. The risk of severe illness is higher among people aged 60 and over and those with underlying medical conditions, making preventive measures especially important."

Dr. Shay Reicher, director of the Environmental Protection Ministry's Pest Control Division, said, "In recent days, mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been trapped at several locations in central Israel. The ministry has issued detailed instructions to local authorities to take immediate action to reduce the risk to public health, while the public also has an important role to play by eliminating standing water and reporting potential breeding sites to their local authority."