A one-year-old infant who had not received routine childhood vaccinations was hospitalized in critical condition at Shaare Zedek Medical Center after developing a rare and potentially fatal illness that doctors say has become exceedingly uncommon in the modern era due to widespread immunization.

The child arrived at the Yerushalayim hospital struggling to breathe and in immediate danger. Medical staff initially suspected that he may have swallowed a foreign object, but rapid testing and evaluation revealed a far more serious diagnosis.

Doctors determined that the infant was suffering from epiglottitis, a severe inflammation of the epiglottis, the flap of tissue that covers the airway during swallowing. The condition, which can obstruct breathing within a matter of hours, is most commonly caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), a bacterium largely controlled in developed countries through routine vaccination programs.

Medical teams in Shaare Zedek’s pediatric department quickly recognized the severity of the situation and initiated emergency treatment. Thanks to the prompt diagnosis and intensive care, physicians were able to stabilize the child and save his life.

The infant was admitted to the hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit, where he received advanced treatment for several days. After showing significant improvement, he was later transferred to the general pediatric ward for continued care.

Doctors said the child is expected to remain hospitalized for several more days but that the immediate danger has passed.

The case has drawn attention because epiglottitis was once considered one of the most dangerous childhood illnesses, frequently causing life-threatening airway obstruction. Since the introduction of the Hib vaccine into Israel’s national immunization program decades ago, the disease has become exceptionally rare.

Medical experts noted that the dramatic decline in cases is directly attributable to widespread vaccination. While epiglottitis has nearly disappeared in countries with high vaccination rates, isolated cases continue to occur among unvaccinated individuals.

Hospital officials said the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of routine childhood immunizations. Physicians emphasized that the Health Ministry’s vaccination schedule is based on extensive scientific research and is designed to protect children from potentially deadly diseases.

According to Shaare Zedek, the infant continues to improve and remains under close medical supervision. Doctors are optimistic that he will be able to return home within the coming days.

{Matzav.com}