Israel’s Health Ministry Takes Action on Measles Exposure

Recently, Israel’s Health Ministry made a notable decision to remove unvaccinated children who were exposed to a measles patient from educational settings. This directive arose amid a significant measles outbreak in the country, which has already resulted in 14 fatalities among children. Six children were initially taken out of two kindergartens in a Samaria community.

Dr. Udi Klainer, a physician in the Central District, informed local education official Moshe Hezekiah that exposure occurred during the contagious phase of a patient in the kindergarten on February 4. Most kids at the facility had received at least one dose of the measles vaccine or had been vaccinated within 72 hours post-exposure, providing some protection against severe illness. Still, Klainer pointed out that some children lacked any vaccination, raising concerns about their potential infection during the incubation period.

“In my view, we must prevent unvaccinated children from entering the educational environment,” Klainer stated, referencing the Public Health Ordinance. He emphasized the importance of protecting the community, especially the kindergarten children and their families. To lessen the educational impact, the order only applies to those known to have been exposed and not vaccinated before or shortly after the exposure. The situation will be reassessed weekly or based on new health findings.

Additionally, the Health Ministry underscored that allowing a sick child to attend school could be legally problematic. The initial recommendation affected two children but was later extended to include four more from a different kindergarten in the same area. Health officials explained that unvaccinated children exposed to a measles case face over a 90% chance of infection. Klainer stressed that this risk illustrates the need to remove these children from settings where they could huddle closely together for hours, especially since measles symptoms take time to appear and the illness remains contagious prior to that.

The Contagion Risk of Measles

Measles is highly infectious and can lead to severe health complications, with a mortality rate around one in 1,000 cases. Complications can include brain damage, and in rare cases, chronic inflammation can develop years after infection. Dr. Or Krieger, from the Health Ministry’s Public Health Division, noted, “Once there’s been an exposure, the chances of contracting the disease are very high.” They’re offering preventive vaccination within 72 hours to those who were exposed, which is effective in reducing illness. However, some parents have declined vaccination for their exposed children, which Krieger acknowledged is their choice, though it poses risks to others in shared environments.

“Dr. Klainer’s directive aims to keep unvaccinated children from escalating the risk of illness among others,” Krieger pointed out. He urged parents to consider vaccinating their children to protect vulnerable populations. “With one simple action, you could help safeguard young children from a risky disease,” he said.

Outbreak Statistics

Data from the Health Ministry reports nearly 2,900 confirmed measles cases since the official outbreak began in April last year, though the actual figure could be more than 10,000. Currently, 20 patients are hospitalized, with ten in intensive care, and outbreak hotspots include areas like Jerusalem and Bnei Brak.

Efforts to combat the outbreak have struggled, especially with misinformation prevalent in certain communities. Krieger remarked that the measure to exclude children from educational settings represents a serious action—not taken lightly, but deemed necessary due to rising risks. He mentioned that prior to this point, there hadn’t been sufficient cause. “We’re proceeding with caution, making sure every action is carefully weighed to protect kids’ health.”

The measles vaccine is not only scientifically endorsed but is also standard protocol in Israel, given at age one and again in first grade, with free vaccinations available until age 18. Health experts strongly advocate for vaccination, highlighting that it poses significantly less risk than the illness itself, especially amid an outbreak.