A seventh baby has died in Jerusalem from measles on Thursday, as the outbreak claims more young lives. The Ministry of Health urges immediate vaccination to prevent further fatalities.
All the infants who passed away were otherwise healthy and had no underlying conditions. Four of them were brought to hospitals in critical condition. In some cases, treatment was delayed after the initial infection—treatment that might have saved their lives. Due to late intervention and complications, the limbs of one baby had to be amputated.
Just last week, the sixth death occurred when a 1.5-year-old toddler succumbed to the disease. A few days earlier, a 1-year-old baby was rushed to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in critical condition after suffering from the illness for three weeks. He was transferred while undergoing prolonged resuscitation, but the doctors' efforts were unsuccessful.
In the same week, a 1-year-and-1-month-old baby who had contracted measles died. She had been hospitalized at Hadassah Ein Kerem about two months ago in critical condition. She suffered severe breathing difficulties and was placed on an ECMO machine.
The medical team fought for her life for weeks, but ultimately, secondary organ failure led to her death. Additionally, last weekend, another unvaccinated toddler passed away.
Currently, 25 measles patients are hospitalized, most of them children under the age of 6 who were not vaccinated. Six of them are in intensive care, and one is on an ECMO machine.
The Ministry of Health warns that measles is an extremely dangerous viral disease that can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death, especially among infants, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Measles spreads through the air via coughing or sneezing, infecting more than 90% of unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with an infected person. The first symptoms usually appear about two weeks after exposure, including high fever, dry cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads across the body.
In Israel, two routine measles vaccinations are given: the first at 12 months and the second in first grade. In areas where outbreaks are occurring, the Ministry of Health recommends administering the second dose at 18 months.
Infants six to 12 months can receive the vaccine if exposed
Additionally, infants between six months and one year can receive the vaccine if exposed to the disease or if they are traveling to outbreak zones. Last week, the Ministry authorized immediate vaccination for infants aged 6-11 months in active outbreak areas, even without an appointment, at health clinics.
Currently, measles outbreaks are active in Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Kiryat Gat, Bnei Brak, Harish, Modiin Illit, and Nazareth. Vaccination stations have been set up in these cities where vaccines are available without an appointment.
Parents can check their children's vaccination status through the digital vaccination booklet on the government’s personal website. Children under 6 can receive the vaccine at health clinics, while older children and adults can receive it through their health funds.
In cases of exposure to a measles patient, preventive protection is available based on age and vaccination status: active vaccination within 72 hours or passive vaccination within six days of exposure. Pregnant women, infants, and individuals with compromised immune systems who are not vaccinated will receive tailored preventive treatment.
The Ministry of Health continues to stress that measles vaccination is the most effective and safest way to prevent infection and stop the spread of the disease.