breaking: A second physician at Ichilov Hospital in Israel has tested positive for measles, the Health Ministry announced Saturday evening. The doctor,who was vaccinated against the disease,contracted measles while treating an unvaccinated child.
This follows a similar case announced Friday, bringing the total number of infected medical staff at the hospital to two. both doctors are currently in isolation with mild symptoms.
the Health Ministry notes that while vaccination is highly effective – one dose providing 93-95% protection and two doses 97% – no vaccine is 100% foolproof. This outbreak has already proven fatal for several young children this year; seven deaths occurred among wholly unvaccinated infants and toddlers, and one 13-month-old girl died after contracting measles before she was old enough to receive the vaccine despite being up-to-date on all other recommended immunizations.
“The Health Ministry reiterates its call for the public to get vaccinated – measles is a preventable disease with a safe and effective vaccine,” the Ministry stated. The cases are under review to determine any contributing factors.
