8 cases of measles have been diagnosed in Israel in past week, says health ministry

The Health Ministry reports eight cases of measles from the Tel Aviv and Bnei Brak region, Emek Hefer and Modiin Illit, which have been diagnosed since April 20, with six of the cases in unvaccinated patients.

According to the epidemiological investigation, four of the patients contracted the disease abroad or through contact with people who had recently returned from abroad. The investigation regarding the other cases is ongoing.

The ministry emphasizes that anyone who has been in contact with a measles patient should continue testing and vaccinating according to its guidelines. It also recommends that unvaccinated pregnant women, immunosuppressed individuals, and infants who may have been exposed to a measles patient consult with their healthcare providers to determine whether “passive immunization” against measles is possible and makes sense for them.

The ministry also recommends checking vaccination status and getting vaccinated before traveling abroad, especially to countries known to have significant measles outbreaks.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever, general malaise, runny nose and a rash, and it can cause serious and even life-threatening complications.