Israel measles outbreak grows to 48 cases, prompting emergency vaccination drive

IANS May 16, 2025 378 views

Israel's Health Ministry reports a troubling rise in measles cases, with 48 confirmed infections, most of them among unvaccinated minors. The outbreak has prompted urgent vaccination campaigns in areas with low immunisation coverage. Health officials have called emergency meetings to address the spread and urged the public to confirm their vaccination status. New guidelines recommend accelerated vaccination schedules to boost immunity and prevent further transmission.

"These are exceptionally high numbers, indicating that the disease is more widespread than what has been officially diagnosed and reported." - Israel's Health Ministry
Israel measles outbreak grows to 48 cases, prompting emergency vaccination drive
Jerusalem, May 16: Israel's Health Ministry has reported 16 new measles cases, bringing the total number of infections to 48 since the outbreak began on April 20, with the majority affecting unvaccinated children.

Key Points

1

48 measles cases reported since April 20 in Israel

2

40 infected individuals are under 18 without full vaccination

3

Emergency meetings held by health officials to thwart outbreak

4

Vaccination guidelines have been updated for better protection

According to the Ministry on Thursday, 40 of those infected are under the age of 18, and none have received full vaccination against the virus, Xinhua news agency reported.

Eleven minors and two adults are currently hospitalised, including three children in intensive care.

"These are exceptionally high numbers, indicating that the disease is more widespread than what has been officially diagnosed and reported," the Ministry said in a statement.

Most of the new cases have no known source of infection, prompting health authorities to convene emergency meetings over the past week.

In response, the Ministry has launched a large-scale vaccination campaign targeting communities with low immunisation rates.

Vaccination guidelines have also been updated.

Under Israel's routine immunisation schedule, children typically receive two doses of the measles vaccine, the first at 12 months and the second at age of six.

However, in high-risk areas, the Ministry now recommends administering the second dose shortly after the first to boost protection.

Officials also urged individuals who may have been exposed to confirmed measles cases to get tested, receive appropriate vaccinations, and avoid public spaces to reduce the risk of further transmission.

The Ministry advised the public to verify their vaccination status before travelling abroad.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that typically causes fever, fatigue, a runny nose, and a distinctive rash.

In some cases, it can lead to severe or life-threatening complications.

In response to the growing crisis, the Health Ministry held a series of emergency meetings this week, led by the Minister, the Director-General, and the head of Public Health Services.

The Ministry urges all citizens to verify their vaccination status and update it according to national guidelines.

Children under age six should complete their immunisations through Tipat Chalav, while those above the age of seven may receive vaccinations at designated centres.

People born before 1957 are considered naturally immune and do not require vaccination.

The Ministry also recommends confirming vaccination status prior to any international travel.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is so concerning! In India we've had similar measles outbreaks when vaccination rates drop. The govt should make vaccines mandatory for school admissions like we do here. Prevention is always better than cure. 🙏
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Rahul S.
Why are people still refusing vaccines in 2024? After COVID, you'd think everyone would understand their importance. Israel should implement awareness campaigns like India's Mission Indradhanush which improved our immunization rates significantly.
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Ananya M.
The part about most cases being in unvaccinated children breaks my heart đź’” As a mother, I can't imagine risking my child's health like that. In our society, elders always remind us "bacchon ka tikakaran zaroori hai" - this proves how right they are!
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Vikram P.
While vaccination is crucial, I hope Israel considers cultural factors behind vaccine hesitancy. In India, some communities resist due to misinformation. Health workers need to engage respectfully with such groups through local leaders and influencers.
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Sunita R.
Measles is no joke! My cousin got it as a child before vaccines were widely available in India. She had high fever for days and developed pneumonia. Thankfully recovered but it was traumatic for the whole family. Please vaccinate your kids!
K
Karan J.
Interesting to see Israel changing vaccination schedules for high-risk areas. India could learn from this - maybe we need more localized approaches too instead of one-size-fits-all programs, especially in remote areas with low healthcare access.

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Tags:
Measles Outbreak Israel Health Vaccination Campaign Unvaccinated Children