Battling Nile Fever: A Combined Effort to Prevent, Control and Treat the Deadly Disease

The disease, which is transmitted from birds to humans through a mosquito bite, is not transmitted from person to person. It was also reported that for children and young people it is usually a mild disease, but for adults it can be dangerous and even fatal. Dr. Shai Reicher, Director of the Pest and Control Division at the Ministry of Environmental Protection, mentioned that mosquitoes are greatly influenced by weather conditions. He emphasized the importance of understanding how knowledge and proper behavior can help prevent the disease.

MK Ofer Kasif stressed the importance of not waiting for the number of patients to increase. He noted that older individuals with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable and those who do recover from the disease often suffer permanent damage. Dr. Or Krieger, a specialist in infectious diseases, also noted the unusual morbidity and the looming fear of the situation worsening.

Dr. Avi Gadot, head of the neurology department at Ichilov, highlighted the potentially fatal impact of the disease on older individuals. He shared information about a drug currently being tested at the hospital to treat patients diagnosed with Nile fever. Dr. Monica Leshkowitz-Mazuz, director of the veterinary institute at the Ministry of Agriculture, mentioned