Amid concerns of Leptospirosis and West Nike virus, Israeli healthcare community officials are reporting a worrisome increase in the number of cases of the measles, which seems to continue spreading in the country. According to the Ministry of Health, there has been a major increase until the month of August as compared to recent years.

According to the Health Ministry, from January to August 2018, there were 184 documented cases of measles nationwide, as compared to 16 cases in the same time period a year earlier.

The city with the most cases is Petach Tikvah, with 53 reported cases. Tzefas is second with 47 cases, Tel Aviv third with 22, and Jerusalem with 20. It should be noted that these are minimal numbers, and it is estimated that most cases of measles are not reported to the Ministry of Health when it comes to mild cases.

According to the World Health Organization, measles is also being reported in Europe, with at least 41,000 persons infected and 37 fatalities as a result. The highest number of cases was reported in Ukraine, with 23,000 cases. The most fatalities resulting from the illness is reported in Serbia, as 14 persons have died. Cases are reported in France, Greece, Italy, and Russia.

The World Health Organization believes the spread of the disease is directly related to the increase in the number of persons who refuse to have their children vaccinated.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)