Jerusalem, Nov 24 (NationPress) The Israeli Health Ministry has reported the tragic death of an 18-month-old boy due to measles, marking the 10th fatality in an outbreak that commenced in early April. The majority of those affected were previously healthy infants who had not received vaccinations.

The Tzafon Medical Centre, located near Tiberias, stated that the unvaccinated child was brought to their emergency department in critical condition on Sunday morning. Unfortunately, despite attempts at resuscitation, he succumbed to the disease.

As per the ministry's data, over 2,000 cases of measles have been confirmed during this ongoing outbreak, with eleven patients currently hospitalized, including two in intensive care.

The health authorities are urging parents to vaccinate their children and seek prompt medical assistance if symptoms arise or if exposure is suspected. They have identified 12 cities and additional localities as outbreak zones, advocating for extra vaccinations for infants in these areas, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.

Measles is an exceptionally contagious virus that can cause fever, fatigue, a runny nose, and a rash, sometimes resulting in severe complications or death.

This highly infectious disease spreads quickly when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. It can lead to serious health issues, including fatalities.

While measles can impact anyone, it is most prevalent among children.

The virus targets the respiratory system and disseminates throughout the body. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a widespread rash.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and to protect others from infection. The vaccine has a strong safety record and aids the body in combating the virus.

Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963 and administered widely, epidemics occurred roughly every two to three years, resulting in an estimated 2.6 million deaths annually.

In 2023, approximately 107,500 individuals, predominantly children under five, lost their lives to measles, despite the existence of a safe and affordable vaccine.

Symptoms typically manifest 10 to 14 days post-exposure, with a noticeable rash being the most prominent sign.

Initial symptoms last between 4 and 7 days and may include: runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks.

The rash usually appears 7 to 18 days after exposure, beginning on the face and upper neck, spreading over three days to the hands and feet. It generally lasts about 5 to 6 days before it begins to fade.