Do you remember our last update on the measles outbreak in Israel?
It was back in March and we had reported on the 17th measles death in their outbreak.
Fortunately, it was the last measles death.
Let’s Talk About Measles Deaths in Israel
The last measles death in a large outbreak with a lot of deaths!
Overall, there were 3,774 measles cases and 17 measles deaths, all children.
And yes, they were nearly all unvaccinated.
What else do we know?
From a new study, Pediatric Deaths during Measles Outbreak, Jerusalem, Israel, 2025–2026, we learned that:
of 1,289 case-patients with measles in Jerusalem, 11 died, all children, yielding a case fatality rate of 0.85%!
the median age of children who died was 1.4 years
ten of the children were otherwise healthy
nine of the children were completely unvaccinated
one partially vaccinated child had complex cardiac disease
six children were dead on arrival at the ED
We also learned that these children lived in neighborhoods with MMR vaccination rates of just 55%.
That’s low!
But while the low vaccination rates help explain why so many got sick, it doesn’t explain why so many died.
Were there many more cases that weren’t counted?
That’s one explanation.
Or was it that they took their kids to the hospital too late because of “possible mistrust of government institutions?”
“Some parents reported they first consulted community mediators when the child’s condition deteriorated. Those mediators were known in the community for their medical backgrounds, having served as medical orderlies or midwives. The mediators used pulse oximeters to monitor the ill children, and some suggested vitamin A supplements or provided intravenous fluids before seeking conventional medical support, which might explain delayed referral to healthcare facilities.”
Pediatric Deaths during Measles Outbreak, Jerusalem, Israel, 2025–2026
Or did they just rely on the wrong people for advice?
Whatever happened, the measles outbreak in Israel should be a reminder that measles kills otherwise healthy kids!
Or at least it does if they aren’t vaccinated and protected.
It makes me sick to know children are dying from a disease that was all but gone ten years ago. Fear, false information, and frightened parents who don't do their own research using peer-reviewed sources.
Is it down to there close relationship with the US is it detrimental to the health of the children.