Some of them carry West Nile virus. This virus is picked up by mosquitoes and spreads quickly to humans, causing sickness ranging from a severe, flu-like symptoms to deadly encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. No cases have so far been reported in the West Bank or Gaza, according to Palestinian authorities, who are nonetheless working to curb their mosquito population. Outbreaks have since occurred in 17 countries, including a serious one in New York last year. The elderly and weak and those with heart problems are at greatest risk of serious complications.
Patients often become comatose before dying.
For the young and healthy, West Nile virus causes fever, head and muscle ache and a severe sore throat. The reason for this year's outbreak is still a mystery. One theory is that the bird migratory period began earlier than usual. Israel does not have more mosquitoes than normal, said Yossi Inbar, deputy director general of the Environment Ministry. Previously on 8 Sep 2000 the Jerusalem Post reported that a total of 47 Israelis, all over 60 and many over 80, had been diagnosed with West Nile fever since the beginning of August, and there had been 5 fatalities.