JERUSALEM

Israeli health authorities said Friday that the death toll from the West Nile virus disease has risen to 31 since an outbreak in May.

The Health Ministry said 356 patients have been diagnosed with the infectious fever during the outbreak.

The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper cited an update by the ministry that said mortalities from the virus increased 70% in the last two days.

Most of the patients are from the country’s central region, including Tel Aviv, it said.

Experts still did not identify the reason for the rise in infections and the spread in the summer season, according to Yedioth Ahronoth.

Last week, Israeli authorities urged officials to intensify mosquito monitoring and extermination efforts, stressing the importance of public awareness and preventative measures.

The West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea and vomiting.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar