Health Ministry says 32 cases of measles diagnosed since April 20

Reporter at The Times of Israel

In an attempt to battle the measles outbreak, some countries in Europe have enacted laws making vaccinating children mandatory. (Illustrative. Miriam Alster/FLASH90)
In an attempt to battle the measles outbreak, some countries in Europe have enacted laws making vaccinating children mandatory. (Illustrative. Miriam Alster/FLASH90)

The Health Ministry reports that 32 measles cases have been diagnosed in Israel since April 20.

The diagnosed patients were from Modiin Illit, Emek Hefer, Or Akiva, Bnei Brak, Jerusalem, Baqa al-Gharbiya, Beit Yitzhak and Rehovot.

Of the 32 patients, 26 are not fully vaccinated, and three are still under epidemiological investigation.

After the ministry’s call to get vaccinated, there was a 37% increase in vaccinations in places with high morbidity including Modiin Illit, Bnei Brak and Jerusalem.

According to the Hebrew news outlet Ynet, the ministry has approached rabbis to enlist their support for the vaccination campaign ahead of the Lag B’Omer celebrations at Mount Meron on May 16.

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.

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