Israeli health authorities have confirmed that at least 62 individuals have been infected with measles amid a concerning outbreak spreading across several regions in the country.

The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent call for increased vaccinations and enhanced public awareness to curb further transmission of the highly contagious disease.

The outbreak has been predominantly concentrated in Jerusalem and surrounding areas, although sporadic cases have been reported in Tel Aviv and the northern districts.

Health officials believe the virus is being spread rapidly among communities with low vaccination coverage, particularly in sectors where skepticism or religious objections to vaccination persist.

According to the Ministry of Health, the majority of those infected were unvaccinated or had received only one dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine — far short of the recommended two-dose schedule for effective immunity.

Among the 62 confirmed cases, several are children under five years old, a group especially vulnerable to complications from measles.

At least four patients have been hospitalized, with one child reportedly in serious condition due to pneumonia, a common but dangerous complication of measles.

Healthcare providers warn that unvaccinated individuals — particularly infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems — are at the greatest risk. Pregnant women are also highly vulnerable, as measles can lead to premature birth or miscarriage.

The Israeli Ministry of Health has launched an emergency public health campaign urging all citizens, especially children and teenagers, to ensure they are fully vaccinated.

Free immunization clinics are being established in schools, community centers, and religious institutions to boost vaccine access.

Dr. Eyal Leshem, an infectious disease expert at Sheba Medical Center, said: “This outbreak is a wake-up call. Measles is not a harmless childhood illness — it can cause severe complications and death. The MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and vital for protecting our communities.”

The government is also working closely with religious leaders and community heads to dispel misinformation about vaccines and to encourage broader compliance with immunization schedules.