12th Israeli Child Dies From Measles Infection

Israel's Ministry of Health recently reported another death of an unvaccinated toddler from measles.

As of December 9, 2025, this fatality marks the 12th since the outbreak began in Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, Harish, Modiin Illit, Nof HaGalil, Kiryat Gat, Ashdod, Safed, Netivot, Haifa, Tiberias, the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council, and Tekoa. 

Currently, 19 measles patients are hospitalized, most of them children under six who were not vaccinated. Four of them are in intensive care.

The Ministry stated in a media release that all the children who died were otherwise healthy and had no underlying medical conditions. These cases could have been prevented through vaccination.

'During the holiday season, anyone feeling unwell should avoid gatherings to prevent spreading this infectious disease,' added the Ministry.

According to Ministry of Health data, the first-dose measles coverage in targeted cities is about 85%.

According to the U.S. CDC's Level 1 Travel Health Notice, measles is an ongoing risk around the world, and more international travelers are getting infected.

Travelers can catch measles in many travel settings, including travel hubs such as airports and train stations, on public transportation such as airplanes and trains, at tourist attractions, and at significant, crowded events. Infected travelers can bring the disease back to their home communities, where it can spread rapidly among people who are not immune.

The CDC recommends that all travelers be fully vaccinated against measles before departing for any international destination. Measles vaccination services are offered at travel clinics and pharmacies in the United States.