Israel reports additional measles cases
The Israel Ministry of Health updates on additional measles patients from the Central Region (Tel Aviv and Bnei Brak), Emek Hefer and Modi'in Illit. A total of 8 patients have been diagnosed as of April 20, of whom 6 are unvaccinated.
According to the epidemiological investigation, four of the patients were infected abroad or following contact with people who returned from abroad. The epidemiological investigation regarding the additional patients is currently underway.
The ministry emphasizes that anyone who has been in contact with a measles patient should continue testing and vaccinating according to its guidelines. It also recommends that unvaccinated pregnant women, immunosuppressed individuals, and infants who may have been exposed to a measles patient consult with their healthcare providers to determine whether “passive immunization” against measles is possible and makes sense for them.
The ministry also recommends checking vaccination status and getting vaccinated before traveling abroad, especially to countries known to have significant measles outbreaks.
A person born before 1957 and exposed to the virus in childhood should not be vaccinated.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that manifests itself in fever, general malaise, runny nose, and rash, and may have severe and even life-threatening complications.
If symptoms appear, you should avoid public spaces such as shopping malls, public transportation, etc. until you are medically examined.
If you need to go to a clinic or emergency room, you should coordinate your visit and notify the staff upon arrival at the medical facility.
The ministry emphasizes the importance of routine vaccinations against diseases such as measles, some of which may cause severe complications and death.
To check your immunization status and schedule an appointment for vaccination, contact the Health Voice hotline *5400 or the doctors and pediatricians at the health insurance companies.