Unvaccinated Toddler Dies as Measles Outbreak Hits 503 in Israel

Israel is currently experiencing a severe measles outbreak that began about three months ago, with 503 diagnosed cases and 187 active, predominantly affecting unvaccinated children in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh. Tragically, a two-year-old unvaccinated boy died after weeks connected to an ECMO machine due to complications including severe pneumonia caused by a secondary streptococcus infection, marking the first fatality in this outbreak. Twelve children under six remain hospitalized, three in intensive care, and vaccination rates have risen in some ultra-Orthodox communities amid a nationwide campaign by Israel's Health Ministry. Officials emphasize that measles is a highly contagious but preventable disease, urging parents to ensure routine vaccinations for their children. Meanwhile, in the United States, Idaho reported its first two measles cases since 2023 in unvaccinated children, with officials confident that public exposure has been limited due to self-isolation protocols. The outbreaks highlight the ongoing risks of measles transmission when vaccination coverage is incomplete and underscore public health calls for increased immunization.