Swine flu rears its head in Israel

Two known cases of H1N1 virus at central hospitals; in West Bank, at least 10 people are dead

An illustrative photo of a patient receiving an injection. (photo credit: Miriam Alster/Flash90/File)
An illustrative photo of a patient receiving an injection. (photo credit: Miriam Alster/Flash90/File)

Two Israeli women have contracted swine flu and are currently hospitalized, after hundreds of cases of the virus were identified in the West Bank in recent weeks.

One of the women, a 27-year-old who gave birth several days ago, is being treated at Assaf HaRofeh Medical Center in Tzrifin, some 10 miles southeast of Tel Aviv.

The second woman, reportedly in her 60s, is at the intensive care unit at Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva.

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Children, the elderly, patients with chronic illnesses, and pregnant women are considered to be at a high risk of contracting the disease.

Health Ministry officials said on Wednesday that there is currently no special preparedness for the treatment of swine flu in Israel, but that the flu vaccine administered this year includes immunization against the dangerous virus.

Hundreds of cases of the H1N1 virus known as swine flu were recorded in the West Bank in recent weeks, with at least 10 people dying as a result of the illness, according to Israel Radio.

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