The Health Ministry and Sheba Medical Center announced that approximately 2,600 people were exposed to a patient diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis at the hospital’s underground surgical complex between March 17 and March 22, 2026. An epidemiological investigation found that around 750 patients were exposed, including about 300 newborns and infants under one year old, as well as individuals with weakened immune systems. In addition, roughly 1,900 staff members and an unknown number of visitors and companions were present in the affected area.

Tuberculosis is an airborne bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs and spreads through coughing, sneezing, or speaking. Health officials stated that the risk of infection generally requires prolonged exposure of more than six to eight hours. Patients and staff identified as exposed will be instructed to undergo a skin test, and those with positive results will receive preventive antibiotic treatment.

Infants under age three and immunocompromised individuals will receive immediate four-month antibiotic treatment without further testing. Visitors who spent more than eight cumulative hours in the area during the specified dates are urged to contact the Health Ministry hotline for guidance. The hospital said it is coordinating fully with the Health Ministry, which will continue to monitor and update the public.