At least 62 Israelis infected with measles amid outbreak, Health Ministry says
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, transmitted through the air via tiny droplets from bodily fluids, such as during sneezing or coughing.
Israel has seen a spike in measles diagnoses in recent weeks, according to information published by the Health Ministry. At least 62 people have recently been diagnosed, approximately half of whom have already recovered.
In many of the cases, the source of infection is unknown, and most of those infected were not vaccinated against the disease.
The ministry also reported a new case of measles with potential exposure in public places. According to an epidemiological investigation by the Central District Health Bureau, the infected person visited the following locations:
Ben Gurion Airport Arrival Hall – May 22, between 16:00 and 17:00
Shake Shack Restaurant, Cinema City Rishon LeZion – May 24, between 16:00 and 17:00
People who were present at these locations during the specified times are advised to ensure they are vaccinated against measles.
Anyone over six months old who is not vaccinated should receive ameasles vaccine.
Those who have had only one dose and it has been at least three months since their vaccination should receive a second dose.
People born before 1957, who were likely exposed as children, or those who have received two doses, do not need further vaccination.
Children under 6 years old should complete their vaccinations at Tipat Halav clinics (child wellness centers).
Children over 7 and adults can get vaccinated through their healthcare providers.
The ministry also recommends that pregnant women who are not fully vaccinated, immunocompromised individuals, and infants who were at the mentioned locations consult their regional health bureau about possibly receiving passive immunization against measles.
Furthermore, the public is urged: If you're feeling unwell or showing typical symptoms of measles, do not attend crowded events and risk exposing your family and those around you.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, transmitted through the air via tiny droplets from bodily fluids, such as during sneezing or coughing. It has one of the highest infection rates among infectious diseases—about 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to an infected person will contract the virus.
Symptoms usually appear 1 to 2 weeks after exposure and include: High fever, runny nose, eye inflammation, dry cough, and a distinctive rash covering the body.
Most patients recover within a few days, but in some cases, measles can lead to complications like pneumonia, ear infections, and liver damage. A rare but severe complication is encephalitis (brain inflammation) or a later chronic neurological disorder called SSPE (Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis). The risk of SSPE is significantly higher in infants who were infected before receiving a vaccine.
The Texas health department said on Tuesday it was "cautiously optimistic" about the spread of measles in the state after it saw only one additional case since its last update.
The state recorded 729 cases of measles on Tuesday, one more since its last update on Friday.
The spread of measles in the state has shown signs of slowing down over the past two weeks.
The number of infections in Gaines County, the epicenter of the outbreak in the state, remained unchanged at 408 since the last update, the Texas Department of State Health Services said.
"We're cautiously optimistic this trend will continue, but all it takes is the virus getting into a new pocket of people without immunity to see that change," Chris Van Deusen, director of media relations at the Texas health department, told Reuters in an email.
The United States is battling one of the worst measles outbreaks it has seen, with cases crossing 1,000 for the first time in five years and three confirmed deaths. Experts have urged public health officials to provide urgent endorsement for highly effective vaccines.
The measles vaccine is 97% effective after two doses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The outbreak in Texas has spread to neighboring states, including New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
New Mexico's health department reported 79 cases on Tuesday, one additional case from its last update on Friday.
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Los Angeles Times
3 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
Palestinians say Israeli fire kills 5 near aid sites. Israel says it fired warning shots
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Israeli fire killed at least five people and wounded others as they headed toward two aid distribution points in Gaza run by an Israeli and U.S.-backed group, Palestinian health officials and witnesses said Sunday. Israel's military said it fired warning shots at people who approached its forces. The past two weeks have seen frequent shootings near the new hubs where thousands of Palestinians — desperate after 20 months of war — are being directed to collect food. Witnesses say nearby Israeli troops have opened fire, and more than 80 people have been killed, according to Gaza hospital officials. In all, at least 108 bodies were brought to hospitals in Gaza over the past 48 hours, the territory's Health Ministry said. Israel's military said it struck dozens of militant targets throughout Gaza over the past day. Four of the latest bodies were brought to Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis. Palestinian witnesses said Israeli forces fired on them at a roundabout around a kilometer (half-mile) from a site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in nearby Rafah. Israel's military said it fired warning shots at 'suspects' who had advanced toward its forces and ignored warnings to turn away. It said the shooting occurred in an area that is considered an active combat zone at night. Al-Awda Hospital said it received the body of a 42-year-old man and 29 people who were wounded near another GHF aid distribution point in central Gaza. The military said it fired warning shots in the area at around 6:40 a.m. but did not see any casualties. A GHF official said there was no violence in or around its distribution sites, all three of which delivered aid on Sunday. The group closed them temporarily last week to discuss safety measures with Israel's military and has warned people to stay on designated access routes. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. The new aid hubs are set up inside Israeli military zones where independent media have no access. Witnesses said the shooting in southern Gaza occurred at around 6 a.m., when they were told the site would open. Many headed toward it early, seeking desperately needed food before the crowds arrived. Adham Dahman, who was at Nasser Hospital with a bandage on his chin, said a tank fired toward them. 'We didn't know how to escape,' he said. 'This is trap for us, not aid.' Zahed Ben Hassan said someone next to him was shot in the head. He said he and others pulled the body from the scene. 'They said it was a safe area from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. ... So why did they start shooting at us?' he said. 'There was light out, and they have their cameras and can clearly see us.' The military announced on Friday that the sites would be open during those hours, and that the area would be a closed military zone the rest of the time. Children cried over their father's body at the hospital. 'I can't see you like this, Dad!' one girl said. Gaza's roughly 2 million Palestinians are almost completely reliant on international aid because nearly all food production capabilities have been destroyed. The new aid hubs are run by GHF, a new group of mainly American contractors. Israel wants it to replace a system coordinated by the United Nations and international aid groups. Israel and the United States accuse the Hamas militant group of stealing aid. The U.N. denies there is systematic diversion. The U.N. says the new system is unable to meet mounting needs, allows Israel to use aid as a weapon by determining who can receive it and forces people to relocate to where aid sites are positioned. The U.N. system has struggled to deliver aid, even after Israel eased its complete blockade of Gaza last month. U.N. officials say their efforts are hindered by Israeli military restrictions, the breakdown of law and order and widespread looting. Experts warned earlier this year that Gaza was at critical risk of famine if Israel did not lift its blockade and halt its military campaign. Both were renewed in March. Israeli officials have said the offensive will continue until all hostages are returned and Hamas is defeated or disarmed and sent into exile. Hamas has said it will only release the remaining hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Talks mediated by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar have been deadlocked for months. Hamas started the war with its attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, when Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took another 251 hostage. They still hold 55 hostages, fewer than half of them alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israel has recovered dozens of bodies, including three in recent days, and rescued eight living hostages during the war. Israel's military campaign has killed over 54,800 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. It says women and children make up most of the dead but does not say how many civilians or combatants were killed. Israel says it has killed over 20,000 militants, without providing evidence. The war has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and displaced around 90% of its population. Shurafa and Chehayeb write for the Associated Press. Chehayeb reported from Beirut. Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report. Follow AP's war coverage at
San Francisco Chronicle
3 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Palestinians say Israeli fire kills 5 near aid sites. Israel says it fired warning shots
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli fire killed at least five people and wounded others as they headed toward two aid distribution points in Gaza run by an Israeli and U.S.-backed group, Palestinian health officials and witnesses said Sunday. Israel's military said it fired warning shots at people who approached its forces. The past two weeks have seen frequent shootings near the new hubs where thousands of Palestinians — desperate after 20 months of war — are being directed to collect food. Witnesses say nearby Israeli troops have opened fire, and more than 80 people have been killed, according to Gaza hospital officials. In all, at least 108 bodies were brought to hospitals in Gaza over the past 48 hours, the territory's Health Ministry said. Israel's military said it struck dozens of militant targets throughout Gaza over the past day. Four of the latest bodies were brought to Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis. Palestinian witnesses said Israeli forces fired on them at a roundabout around a kilometer (half-mile) from a site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in nearby Rafah. Israel's military said it fired warning shots at 'suspects' who had advanced toward its forces and ignored warnings to turn away. It said the shooting occurred in an area that is considered an active combat zone at night. Al-Awda Hospital said it received the body of a 42-year-old man and 29 people who were wounded near another GHF aid distribution point in central Gaza. The military said it fired warning shots in the area at around 6:40 a.m. but did not see any casualties. A GHF official said there was no violence in or around its distribution sites, all three of which delivered aid on Sunday. The group closed them temporarily last week to discuss safety measures with Israel's military and has warned people to stay on designated access routes. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Witnesses fear for their safety Witnesses said the shooting in southern Gaza occurred at around 6 a.m., when they were told the site would open. Many headed toward it early, seeking desperately needed food before the crowds arrived. Adham Dahman, who was at Nasser Hospital with a bandage on his chin, said a tank fired toward them. 'We didn't know how to escape," he said. "This is trap for us, not aid.' Zahed Ben Hassan said someone next to him was shot in the head. He said he and others pulled the body from the scene. 'They said it was a safe area from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. ... So why did they start shooting at us?' he said. 'There was light out, and they have their cameras and can clearly see us.' The military announced on Friday that the sites would be open during those hours, and that the area would be a closed military zone the rest of the time. Children cried over their father's body at the hospital. 'I can't see you like this, Dad!' one girl said. Aid distributed inside Israeli military zones Gaza's roughly 2 million Palestinians are almost completely reliant on international aid because nearly all food production capabilities have been destroyed. The new aid hubs are run by GHF, a new group of mainly American contractors. Israel wants it to replace a system coordinated by the United Nations and international aid groups. Israel and the United States accuse the Hamas militant group of stealing aid. The U.N. denies there is systematic diversion. The U.N. says the new system is unable to meet mounting needs, allows Israel to use aid as a weapon by determining who can receive it and forces people to relocate to where aid sites are positioned. The U.N. system has struggled to deliver aid, even after Israel eased its complete blockade of Gaza last month. U.N. officials say their efforts are hindered by Israeli military restrictions, the breakdown of law and order and widespread looting. Experts warned earlier this year that Gaza was at critical risk of famine if Israel did not lift its blockade and halt its military campaign. Both were renewed in March. Israeli officials have said the offensive will continue until all hostages are returned and Hamas is defeated or disarmed and sent into exile. Hamas has said it will only release the remaining hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Talks mediated by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar have been deadlocked for months. Hamas started the war with its attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, when Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took another 251 hostage. They still hold 55 hostages, fewer than half of them alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israel has recovered dozens of bodies, including three in recent days, and rescued eight living hostages during the war. Israel's military campaign has killed over 54,800 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. It says women and children make up most of the dead but does not say how many civilians or combatants were killed. Israel says it has killed over 20,000 militants, without providing evidence. The war has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and displaced around 90% of its population. ___
Hamilton Spectator
4 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Palestinians say Israeli fire kills 5 near aid sites. Israel says it fired warning shots
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli fire killed at least five people and wounded others as they headed toward two aid distribution points in Gaza run by an Israeli and U.S.-backed group, Palestinian health officials and witnesses said Sunday. Israel's military said it fired warning shots at people who approached its forces. The past two weeks have seen frequent shootings near the new hubs where thousands of Palestinians — desperate after 20 months of war — are being directed to collect food. Witnesses say nearby Israeli troops have opened fire, and more than 80 people have been killed , according to Gaza hospital officials. In all, at least 108 bodies were brought to hospitals in Gaza over the past 48 hours, the territory's Health Ministry said. Israel's military said it struck dozens of militant targets throughout Gaza over the past day. Four of the latest bodies were brought to Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis. Palestinian witnesses said Israeli forces fired on them at a roundabout around a kilometer (half-mile) from a site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in nearby Rafah. Israel's military said it fired warning shots at 'suspects' who had advanced toward its forces and ignored warnings to turn away. It said the shooting occurred in an area that is considered an active combat zone at night. Al-Awda Hospital said it received the body of a 42-year-old man and 29 people who were wounded near another GHF aid distribution point in central Gaza. The military said it fired warning shots in the area at around 6:40 a.m. but did not see any casualties. A GHF official said there was no violence in or around its distribution sites, all three of which delivered aid on Sunday. The group closed them temporarily last week to discuss safety measures with Israel's military and has warned people to stay on designated access routes. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. The new aid hubs are set up inside Israeli military zones where independent media have no access. Witnesses fear for their safety Witnesses said the shooting in southern Gaza occurred at around 6 a.m., when they were told the site would open. Many headed toward it early, seeking desperately needed food before the crowds arrived. Adham Dahman, who was at Nasser Hospital with a bandage on his chin, said a tank fired toward them. 'We didn't know how to escape,' he said. 'This is trap for us, not aid.' Zahed Ben Hassan said someone next to him was shot in the head. He said he and others pulled the body from the scene. 'They said it was a safe area from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. ... So why did they start shooting at us?' he said. 'There was light out, and they have their cameras and can clearly see us.' The military announced on Friday that the sites would be open during those hours, and that the area would be a closed military zone the rest of the time. Children cried over their father's body at the hospital. 'I can't see you like this, Dad!' one girl said. Aid distributed inside Israeli military zones Gaza's roughly 2 million Palestinians are almost completely reliant on international aid because nearly all food production capabilities have been destroyed. The new aid hubs are run by GHF, a new group of mainly American contractors. Israel wants it to replace a system coordinated by the United Nations and international aid groups. Israel and the United States accuse the Hamas militant group of stealing aid. The U.N. denies there is systematic diversion. The U.N. says the new system is unable to meet mounting needs, allows Israel to use aid as a weapon by determining who can receive it and forces people to relocate to where aid sites are positioned. The U.N. system has struggled to deliver aid, even after Israel eased its complete blockade of Gaza last month. U.N. officials say their efforts are hindered by Israeli military restrictions, the breakdown of law and order and widespread looting. Experts warned earlier this year that Gaza was at critical risk of famine if Israel did not lift its blockade and halt its military campaign. Both were renewed in March. Israeli officials have said the offensive will continue until all hostages are returned and Hamas is defeated or disarmed and sent into exile. Hamas has said it will only release the remaining hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Talks mediated by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar have been deadlocked for months . Hamas started the war with its attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, when Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took another 251 hostage. They still hold 55 hostages, fewer than half of them alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israel has recovered dozens of bodies, including three in recent days , and rescued eight living hostages during the war. Israel's military campaign has killed over 54,800 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. It says women and children make up most of the dead but does not say how many civilians or combatants were killed. Israel says it has killed over 20,000 militants, without providing evidence. The war has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and displaced around 90% of its population. ___ Chehayeb reported from Beirut. Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report. ___ Follow AP's war coverage at Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? 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