Measles Surge Kills Children in Israel, Canada Warns

A measles surge has killed multiple unvaccinated infants and toddlers in Israel, with media and health officials reporting between three and six child fatalities since May–August and active outbreaks in Jerusalem and ultra‑Orthodox towns including Bnei Brak, Beit Shemesh, Modi’in Illit, Harish and Nof HaGalil. Hospitals say about two dozen patients are hospitalized, including seven to eight children in intensive care and some on ventilators, and authorities link the surge to low vaccination rates in parts of the Haredi community. Israel’s Health Ministry is urging parents to vaccinate, has advanced second MMR doses and recommended early doses in outbreak areas, set up vaccination stations, and advised unwell people to avoid gatherings. Separately, Manitoba public‑health officials warned people exposed at several Winnipeg sites (Sept. 16–22) to monitor for symptoms; Manitoba has reported 211 confirmed and 17 probable cases this year and Canada nearly 5,000, with officials advising monitoring for up to 21 days and seeking vaccination or post‑exposure prophylaxis where appropriate.