Is Israel Facing a Measles Crisis with 152 New Cases?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 152 new measles cases reported in Israel.
- Total cases have reached 770 since April.
- High hospitalization rates indicate a possible widespread infection.
- Nationwide vaccination campaign has administered over 115,000 doses.
- Measles remains a serious health threat, especially for unvaccinated children.
Jerusalem, Aug 29 (NationPress) The Health Ministry of Israel has announced an alarming rise of 152 new measles cases, bringing the total count to 770 since the outbreak initiated in early April.
Officials estimate that between 1,550 to 2,750 individuals may currently be infected, attributing this estimate to the high rates of hospitalization and community reports. Presently, 228 patients are actively diagnosed, with 24 hospitalized—most of whom are children under six years old. Among them, two patients are in intensive care, with one requiring ECMO support.
This outbreak has tragically resulted in the deaths of two unvaccinated boys, aged 18 months and two years.
In May, just a month following the outbreak's commencement, the ministry initiated a nationwide vaccination campaign. Since then, over 115,000 doses have been administered, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, often presents with fever, fatigue, runny nose, and a distinctive rash. Severe complications can arise, and in some cases, they can be fatal.
Common complications include fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, and inflamed eyes. The disease can be effectively prevented through immunization.
Although measles can affect anyone, it is most prevalent among children.
The virus infects the respiratory system and then disseminates throughout the body. Symptoms typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a widespread rash.
Vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent both infection and transmission of measles. The vaccine is safe and bolsters the body's defense against the virus.
Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963 and widespread vaccination efforts, major epidemics occurred approximately every two to three years, resulting in an estimated 2.6 million deaths annually.
In 2023, approximately 107,500 deaths from measles were recorded, mostly among children under five, despite the presence of a safe and affordable vaccine.
Accelerated immunization efforts by nations, alongside WHO and the Measles & Rubella Partnership, have successfully averted an estimated 60 million deaths between 2000 and 2023. Vaccination has decreased measles-related deaths from 800,062 in 2000 to 107,500 in 2022.
Symptoms of measles typically emerge 10-14 days after exposure to the virus, with a prominent rash being the most noticeable symptom.
The rash usually begins around 7–18 days post-exposure, initially appearing on the face and upper neck, then spreading to the hands and feet over approximately 3 days. It generally lasts between 5–6 days before fading.
Measles remains prevalent, particularly in regions of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Most measles deaths occur in countries with low income levels or weak healthcare systems that struggle to vaccinate all children.