Israel measles outbreak rises to 246 cases

25/7/2025 6:12

Israel's Health Ministry on Thursday reported 55 new measles cases, bringing the total number of verified infections to 246 since the outbreak began in early April.

According to the ministry, there are currently 91 verified active measles cases in the country, including 12 hospitalized patients.

All the hospitalized patients were children under the age of six, with at least nine of them not vaccinated. Three were in intensive care, including one connected to an ECMO machine.

The ministry urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles, with both recommended doses according to the official immunization protocol.

In May, the ministry launched a large-scale vaccination campaign targeting communities with low immunization rates.

In high-risk areas, the ministry recommended a boost vaccination strategy, administering the second dose shortly after the first. Under Israel's routine immunization schedule, children receive the first dose of measles vaccine at 12 months and the second at age six.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that usually causes fever, fatigue, a runny nose, and a distinctive rash. In some cases, it can lead to serious or even life-threatening complications.