Flu Outbreak at Kfar Saba Nursing Home Leads to Three Deaths

Three elderly residents have died at the "Beit Balev" assisted living facility in Kfar Saba, central Israel, after contracting influenza. A total of 47 people, including some staff members, have been infected with the virus in recent days. While the deceased were complex nursing patients, it remains unclear if the flu was the primary cause of their deaths.

Initiated tests at the facility revealed the extent of the outbreak. This comes as the national flu season is still approaching its peak. According to the National Center for Disease Control, ten new cases of Influenza A were diagnosed in general hospitals in the week ending August 22.

Last year, Israel experienced a severe flu season, with 189 confirmed flu-related deaths among hospitalized patients in 14 hospitals (60% of Israel's general hospital beds) during the 2025-2026 season. As with the current cases, the flu was not always confirmed as the primary cause of death, but occurred within 30 days of laboratory confirmation. The majority of these deaths were among individuals aged 75 and older.

In the previous season, 4,526 individuals were confirmed as flu patients, including 2,930 adults, 1,460 children, and 136 pregnant women. Approximately 1.87 million Israelis, or 19% of the population, were vaccinated against seasonal flu during the 2025-2026 season. Vaccination coverage was 55% for those 65 and older, but only 16% for infants and children aged 6 months to 5 years.

Beit Balev stated that upon diagnosis, a full medical protocol was implemented, including immediate treatment for patients and staff, and preventative measures for other residents to halt the virus's spread. The facility emphasized its adherence to high medical standards and proactive policies.