The Health Ministry has reported the first fatality in the ongoing measles outbreak, with a 2-year-old unvaccinated boy succumbing to the disease after several weeks on life support. Since the outbreak began three months ago, 503 cases have been diagnosed, with 187 currently active, predominantly in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh. Twelve children under the age of six are currently hospitalized, three in intensive care and one on life support, with the majority unvaccinated. Authorities are urging parents to ensure their children receive routine vaccinations, particularly for measles, and have provided resources for checking vaccination status and accessing further information.

This marks the first measles-related death in the current outbreak, recalling previous fatalities during the 2018-2019 outbreak when three individuals died, including an 18-month-old toddler in Jerusalem. The ministry continues to emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent further cases and fatalities.