In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Israel, the Ministry of Health reports since the measles outbreak began in Israel about three months ago, 770 patients have been diagnosed, as of August 27, of whom 228 are active patients, with most of those hospitalized being children who are not vaccinated.
In addition, two toddlers without underlying diseases who were not vaccinated against the disease have died of measles.
As of this time, there are 24 hospitalized, most of them children under the age of 6 and one adult. Two of them are in intensive care.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that manifests itself in fever, general malaise, runny nose and rash, and can have serious and even life-threatening complications.
The Ministry of Health recommends that parents vaccinate their children with two doses: According to the routine vaccination program, the doses are given at the age of one year and in first grade. Now, during the outbreak, the Ministry has advised that the second dose be given earlier in areas with high morbidity.
In addition, in order to protect infants in these areas (Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak and the Galilee region), it is recommended that an additional dose be given to infants aged six months and older.