Experts: Most Are Immune; Virus Is Common in Region
Several mosquitoes that were collected in Oradell, N.J., during
a search for possible West Nile virus infection, are shown at
a news conference. (Mike Derer/AP Photo)
By Mark Lavie
The Associated Press
J E R U S A L E M — An 84-year-old man died this week of
complications from the West Nile virus — the same virus that
hit the New York City area this summer — health officials
said Tuesday.
Despite newspaper headlines and long reports on the radio, officials
tried to calm fears. Experts noted that the virus is common in
this region, and most Israelis have developed immunity.
In New York City, five people have been diagnosed with West Nile
virus this year, all 63 years old or older, officials say. The
virus killed seven people and sickened more than 60 in the New
York City area last year.
Severe infections
of West Nile virus can result in encephalitis, an inflammation
of the brain, or meningitis, an inflammation of the brain’s
lining and the spinal cord.
Steps Against
Virus Spread
While downplaying
the severity in Israel, officials are taking steps to stop the
spread. The Health Ministry said it is working with local authorities
to increase spraying against mosquitoes, which carry the disease
to humans after biting infected birds.
Agriculture
Ministry workers destroyed a flock of 3,000 infected geese at
a farm in the center of the country Monday, said the director
of the ministry’s veterinary services, Dr. Oded Nir. He said
farm-grown flocks are immunized, but it is much more difficult
to deal with free birds. Israel is on a main bird migration route.
Despite the
fatality, “there is no cause for concern,” Heath Ministry
spokesman Yoram Malka told The Associated Press.
Professor
Eitan Rubinstein, director of the infectious disease department
at Sheba Hospital outside Tel Aviv, where the man died, said West
Nile disease usually causes mild flu-like symptoms and clears
up by itself in a few days, leaving lifelong immunity.
The Health
Ministry said two residents of Tel Aviv were diagnosed with serious
complications from the virus last year. Rubinstein said that “more
than one died, for certain.”
Older immigrants to Israel are more vulnerable. The elderly and
infirm are at risk of developing complications, like encephalitis
and meningitis, said Dr. Alex Levental, director of public health
services at the Health Ministry.
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