Israel’s Health Ministry has issued an alert after a confirmed measles patient spent several days in a public shelter in a chareidi neighborhood in Kiryat Malachi, urging anyone who was present to ensure they are fully vaccinated.

According to the Health Ministry, the individual was in a public shelter located at 147 Sderot Yerushalayim in the Nachalat Har Chabad neighborhood between March 20 and March 24, 2026. The warning follows an epidemiological investigation conducted by the Ashkelon District Health Office.

Officials called on anyone who was in the shelter during those dates to verify that they have received the recommended two doses of the measles vaccine.

In recent weeks, multiple measles cases have been identified across the country, including in chareidi communities, prompting repeated calls from health authorities for the public to get vaccinated.

Last Tuesday, the Health Ministry reported that a 17-year-old boy who had not been vaccinated died after contracting measles. According to the ministry, the teen had underlying medical conditions and was hospitalized approximately two and a half weeks earlier, where he was diagnosed with the disease. His condition later deteriorated, and he passed away in the hospital.

Health officials also noted that among 16 additional reported deaths, most of the victims were infants and children who had no prior health conditions but were not vaccinated against measles.

“Measles is a highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever, general malaise, runny nose, and a rash,” the Health Ministry said. “The illness can lead to severe and even life-threatening complications. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical care promptly, after coordinating arrival in advance.”

The ministry emphasized that vaccination—and preventive treatment even after exposure—can help prevent severe illness.

“We stress that the vaccine, as well as post-exposure preventive treatment, can prevent serious illness from measles. Therefore, individuals who were in this shelter on the specified dates are requested to ensure they are vaccinated in accordance with Health Ministry recommendations (two doses of the vaccine).”

Vaccinations are available through health maintenance organizations, local health offices, and maternal-child health clinics. The public can also contact the Health Ministry hotline (*5400) for further guidance. Officials reiterated their call for widespread vaccination, noting that measles is a preventable disease with a safe and effective vaccine.

{Matzav.com}