JERUSALEM, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) — A two-year-old Israeli boy died of measles on Wednesday at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center, marking the first fatality in Israel’s current measles outbreak, the hospital and the Israeli Health Ministry confirmed in separate statements.
The unvaccinated toddler had been on ECMO life support in intensive care for weeks. A one-year-old girl with measles remains on ECMO in severe condition, while two other children are in the ICU among 12 hospitalized patients under age six, according to the statements.
Since the outbreak began in early April, 503 measles cases have been confirmed, including 187 active infections. The ministry estimated actual infections range between 950 and 1,700 based on hospitalization rates and community reports.
Most diagnosed patients are unvaccinated, the ministry noted, adding that it has expanded vaccination access points and urging parents to ensure children receive full immunizations.
Measles is an extremely contagious viral illness marked by fever, fatigue, a runny nose, and a distinctive rash. In some cases, it can lead to severe or life-threatening complications. ■