Deadly mosquitoes claim lives of 38 people in Israel

A mosquito-borne virus has been wreaking havoc in Israel, claiming 38 lives and infecting hundreds more, a state-run news agency said on Tuesday.

According to the Israeli Health Minister, the virus, identified as West Nile fever, has infected 566 people, with cases surging since May.

The affected patients include those aged 60 and above, while 100 over 80-year-old patients were also infected by the virus. Children between 4 and 19 years old were also diagnosed with the virus.

The virus has primarily affected central Israel, with cases also reported in the northern city of Haifa and the Negev desert city.

The West Nile fever virus can be transmitted to birds, humans, horses, and other animals through mosquito bites.

The symptoms of the virus include headache, body and joint pain, vomiting, and diarrhea in humans.