Measles Outbreak in Tel Aviv Raises Concerns: the Ultimate Guide
The Ministry of Health of Israel has issued a warning after four toddlers in Tel Aviv were infected with measles, raising fears of a wider outbreak . The children, who are around two years old and attend the same daycare center, have all received one vaccination dose against the disease, as is standard for their age. A fifth child has a suspected case of the highly contagious disease .
Epidemiological Investigation Underway
The Health Ministry is conducting an epidemiological investigation into the outbreak, which it called “a very unusual event” . Initial results of the investigation found that one of the children was on a RyanAir flight from Budapest to Israel on September 27, and on a return flight to Israel on El Al on October 3. The Health Ministry was contacting passengers and crew who were on the flights to update them and inform them of procedures related to the outbreak .
Measles: A Highly Contagious Disease
Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that manifests in fever and rash, and may have severe and even life-threatening complications . The Israeli Pediatric Association has called on parents to check if their children were vaccinated, and if not, to administer the vaccination immediately. “This is an essential action that can save lives,” the association said.
Measles Vaccination in Israel
In Israel, measles vaccination is mandatory for children attending daycare centers and schools. The first dose is given at 12 months of age, with a second dose administered at six years of age . The Health Ministry has stated that all four toddlers infected with measles had received their first vaccination dose, which is standard for their age group .
Measles Outbreaks in Israel
Measles outbreaks have occurred in Israel in recent years. In 2018 and 2019, over 4,000 people were infected with measles in Israel, most of whom were unvaccinated . An 18-month-old toddler died of measles in Jerusalem in 2018 during a spike in cases. The girl, who had not been vaccinated, was Israel’s first recorded measles fatality in 15 years .
Conclusion
The recent outbreak of measles among toddlers in Tel Aviv has raised concerns about a wider outbreak. The Health Ministry is conducting an epidemiological investigation into the outbreak. Measles vaccination is mandatory for children attending daycare centers and schools in Israel. Parents are urged to check if their children are vaccinated and to administer the vaccination immediately if they are not.
Suggested readings:
About Author
