Suspected Typhus Cluster Among Children in the Sharon Region

Health officials are investigating a suspected outbreak of spotted fever, also known as typhus, among kindergarten children in the Sharon area. At least three children have been diagnosed, and several more are being tested after possible exposure. The cases were identified among children in two different communities within the Emek Hefer Regional Council, and some of the children were hospitalized at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Hadera and Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba.

Meir Medical Center said four children from the Sharon area arrived at its emergency department over the past week with symptoms including high fever and a rash. Two were admitted for observation and treatment. One case has so far been confirmed as spotted fever, while laboratory results are still pending for the other three.

Parents said they fear the infection source is in or near the kindergartens and pointed to heavy vegetation in the area that could harbor ticks. Some mothers accused the council of responding too slowly to the hazard. Emek Hefer Regional Council said inspections conducted after the report were found to be normal and that the source of infection has not yet been definitively identified.

In response to the unusually concentrated cluster, the council moved the children to alternative buildings and carried out gardening work and extensive pest-control measures in the kindergarten areas. It also urged parents to check their children after time spent in kindergartens or public parks. Spotted fever is caused by rickettsia bacteria and is transmitted by a tick bite, usually a dog tick. It is not spread from person to person, is most common in summer, and can be treated effectively with antibiotics, though delayed diagnosis can be fatal. The Health Ministry said anyone who develops fever and rash after being in open areas should seek medical advice immediately.