Death of Unvaccinated Toddler from Measles in Jerusalem; Four Deaths This Past Week

The Ministry of Health reports that an unvaccinated toddler died yesterday from measles. This is the sixth death since the outbreak began, with four of the cases occurring in the past week.

Measles is a highly contagious and life-threatening viral illness. If symptoms appear, it is important to inform healthcare professionals right away so they can provide treatment in case complications develop.

Measles is preventable with a safe and effective vaccine.

Vaccination recommendations
All children should be vaccinated at ages 12 months and 6years, as part of the immunization schedule.

In outbreak areas:

• The second vaccine dose is given earlier, at 18 months of age.
• An additional vaccine dose is recommended for infants aged 6–11 months in outbreak areas or before traveling to places with outbreaks.

Current outbreak areas: Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, Harish, Modi’in Illit, Nof HaGalil, Kiryat Gat, and Ashdod.
The Ministry of Health advises anyone who is unvaccinated, as well as parents of infants who received only one dose at ages 6–11 months, to avoid large gatherings in outbreak areas due to the risk of infection.

In these areas, vaccination is available at Maternal and Child Health Clinics, HMOs, and special measles vaccination stations set up to support the immunization effort. No appointment is required.

As of today, 24 measles patients are hospitalized, most of them children under age six who were not vaccinated. Seven of these children are in intensive care.

With the holidays approaching, anyone who feels unwell should avoid gatherings to prevent infecting others.

Vaccination saves lives.

More information, including hours of operation for measles vaccination stations and additional guidelines, is available on the Ministry of Health website.

To schedule an appointment, contact your HMO or call our hotline at *5400, Sunday–Thursday.