ANKARA

Israeli health authorities on Thursday said 11 people have so far died of the infectious West Nile virus disease.

The Health Ministry said 153 patients have been diagnosed with West Nile fever in an ongoing outbreak. Most of the patients are from the country's central region.

The authorities also urged local officials to intensify mosquito monitoring and extermination efforts, stressing the importance of public awareness and preventative measures.

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