Israel’s Health Ministry reported the death of a one-year-old infant due to measles, highlighting the severity of the ongoing outbreak, which has resulted in 15 fatalities so far. Disturbingly, most of the deceased infants were healthy and had not received vaccinations.
Measles is a highly contagious virus spread through the air from coughs and sneezes. In fact, over 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus will likely contract it. Symptoms usually emerge about two weeks after exposure and include a high fever, runny nose, dry cough, red eyes, and a distinctive rash that starts on the face and then spreads.
While many recover within days, serious complications can occur, particularly in young infants and pregnant women. These may include pneumonia, encephalitis, and, in rare cases, a degenerative brain disorder known as SSPE, which can develop years later.
The Health Ministry has emphasized that measles is preventable through vaccination. The standard recommendation is for children to receive two doses of the measles vaccine: the first at age one and the second at age six. During this outbreak, the Ministry has advised adjustments for at-risk areas. Babies between six and eleven months should get an additional dose if they are in or traveling to these locations.
Experts stress the importance of vaccinations in preventing outbreaks. According to the World Health Organization, global vaccination coverage for measles has seen a decline, largely due to hesitancy around childhood vaccinations. A 2022 UNICEF report indicated that about 25 million children missed out on routine immunizations, leading to increased outbreaks and preventable deaths. In Israel, particularly in communities with low vaccination rates, health officials are working hard to encourage parents to protect their children.
As social media discussions around vaccine safety continue to unfold, many users express their concerns and share their experiences with the vaccine. This dialogue is crucial for public health awareness. Given the current situation, it remains vital for parents and caregivers to stay informed and ensure vaccinations are up to date.
For more information on vaccination, you can visit the [World Health Organization’s webpage on measles](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles), which provides comprehensive details on prevention and outbreak statistics.
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