RAMALLAH, July 6 -- The first case of West Nile fever in the West Bank was recorded in the governorate of Jenin, the Palestinian Health Ministry said on Saturday.

Doctors identified symptoms consistent with the disease, and subsequent tests confirmed the infection, the ministry stated.

The disease is transmitted through mosquitoes and its symptoms are very similar to those of the flu, including a high fever, the statement mentioned, noting that symptoms appear three days after the mosquito bite, with the elderly being the most vulnerable age group.

Primary healthcare and environmental health teams, along with the Jenin authorities, have been conducting a mosquito control campaign in the city and its camp since Saturday, the statement said, noting that the ministry's specialized teams will extend these efforts to all governorates.

The operations by the Israeli army, which targeted infrastructure, especially water and sewage networks in Palestinian cities and areas, have significantly increased the spread of mosquitoes, particularly in the city and camp of Jenin, according to the statement.

The ministry called on Palestinians to protect themselves from infection by wearing long-sleeved clothes and pants when outside during mosquito activity at night, using mosquito nets while sleeping, and applying mosquito repellent creams on the skin.

West Nile virus can cause neurological disease and death in people, with most infections resulting from bites by infected mosquitoes, according to the World Health Organization.

Approximately 80 percent of infected individuals are asymptomatic, while others may develop West Nile fever or severe West Nile disease.

  - Xinhua