Infant Dies from Measles Complications in Jerusalem
An 11-month-old girl, who had no pre-existing health issues and was unvaccinated, tragically passed away on Thursday in Jerusalem due to complications from measles, as reported by Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital.
This instance is particularly concerning given that health officials have noted that a considerable number of recent measles-related deaths in Israel have involved otherwise healthy, unvaccinated infants.
The infant was moved to Hadassah Ein Kerem from another medical facility on Wednesday in critical condition. Hospital reports indicate that she was placed on an ECMO machine as the pediatric intensive care team worked tirelessly to save her. Unfortunately, her situation worsened, leading to her passing on Thursday evening.
Vaccination Recommendations
The Health Ministry has reiterated the importance of vaccinating children with two doses of the MMR vaccine; the first at one year of age and a second at six. In areas experiencing outbreaks, the timing for the second dose is adjusted to 18 months. Additionally, for those traveling to outbreak zones or residing there, an extra dose is recommended for infants aged 6–11 months as a precautionary measure.
Transmission and Symptoms of Measles
Measles is an extremely contagious viral disease that spreads through airborne droplets released during coughing or sneezing. It can infect over 90% of unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with the virus. Symptoms generally emerge about two weeks post-exposure, including a high fever, runny nose, dry cough, red eyes, and a distinctive rash that initially appears on the face before spreading.
While most patients recover after a few days, serious complications can arise, particularly for infants, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Complications may include pneumonia, encephalitis, and, although rare, a degenerative brain disorder known as SSPE that can manifest years after recovery.
In Israel, according to the standard vaccination schedule, children receive their first MMR dose at 12 months and the second before entering first grade. Typically, infants under one year are not routinely vaccinated, but early vaccination may be advised in certain situations, such as after exposure or prior to international travel—with adherence to the typical vaccination schedule still required afterward.
Parents can verify their child’s vaccination records through the government’s digital platform. For children under six, vaccinations occur at Tipat Halav clinics, whereas those aged seven and older, as well as adults, receive vaccinations through their health funds. It’s essential for unvaccinated individuals or those who only received one dose to complete their series if at least four weeks have passed since their last dose. Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune due to likely childhood exposure.
In the aftermath of confirmed exposure, guidelines vary based on age and immune status. Unvaccinated individuals—including infants and pregnant women may be eligible for an MMR dose within 72 hours or immune globulin within six days, based on medical advice. However, children receiving immune globulin should wait a minimum of six months before undergoing routine vaccination.
Healthcare personnel adhere to strict infectious disease control measures. Patients exhibiting symptoms are isolated in airborne precautions, and staff don N95 masks. Patients are relocated to well-ventilated rooms. Diagnosis involves PCR testing from urine or throat samples, capable of detecting the virus before the rash presents itself, followed by an epidemiological investigation to trace and contain any spread.
