Second Ichilov Hospital Doctor Contracts Measles in Israel Outbreak
A second doctor at Ichilov Hospital in Israel has tested positive for measles after treating an unvaccinated child, the country’s Health Ministry announced today.
The doctor, who was vaccinated against measles, received a positive test result Saturday evening. Both doctors affected by the outbreak are currently in isolation and experiencing mild symptoms. This incident highlights the potential risk of exposure even with vaccination, particularly when treating patients who have not received the recommended immunizations.
Since the start of the measles outbreak earlier this year, there have been several severe cases, including infant deaths. According to the Health Ministry, seven of those who died were completely unvaccinated, while a 13-month-old girl who succumbed to the virus had received all other recommended vaccinations but was too young to have been vaccinated against measles. Vaccination rates have been a key concern in controlling the spread of the disease; one dose of the measles vaccine provides 93-95% protection, and two doses offer 97% protection. You can learn more about measles prevention and symptoms from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Health Ministry continues to urge the public to get vaccinated, stating, “The Health Ministry reiterates its call for the public to get vaccinated – measles is a preventable disease with a safe and effective vaccine.” Yesterday, the Ministry reported the first case of a vaccinated doctor contracting the disease at the same hospital. Read more about the ongoing measles outbreak in Israel here.
Health officials are continuing to review the cases and monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of vaccination to protect both individuals and the wider community.
