What began as a minor occurrence of West Nile virus in Israel last month has quickly escalated into a widespread outbreak.

According to Israel’s Health Ministry, 913 patients have now been diagnosed with West Nile virus compared to 8 cases in early June. The outbreak has taken a grim toll, with 70 fatalities reported so far.

The mosquito-borne illness has been a growing concern for Israelis. While most carriers of the virus never develop symptoms, approximately 20% of those infected experiences varying degrees of illness. Symptoms can range from fever and general fatigue to head and body aches. In severe cases, the virus can cause life-threatening neurological illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis.

Israeli health officials have been quick to emphasize that severe neurological complications are rare, occurring in less than 1% of infected individuals. However, this has done little to quell public concern as the number of cases continues to climb rapidly.

While the outbreak’s epicenter remains in central Israel, health officials have noted an increase of cases in Haifa and Be’er Sheva.

Israel’s Ministry of Environmental Protection is calling on both the government and the public to prevent a full-blown epidemic. In concentrated areas like Tel Aviv, citizens are being urged to use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and avoid standing water where mosquitoes can breed.