Suspected spotted fever cluster in central Israel sickens and hospitalizes children

Health officials and hospitals are investigating a possible local outbreak of spotted fever among children in the Sharon region. At least three children from communities in the Hefer Valley regional council have been diagnosed with the tick-borne disease, and additional cases are still under review.

Meir Medical Center said four children from the Sharon area arrived at its emergency department over the past week with fever, rash and symptoms that raised suspicion of spotted fever. Two were hospitalized for treatment and observation. In one case, a positive test has already confirmed the diagnosis, while final laboratory results are still pending for the other three.

In response to the unusual cluster, the Hefer Valley Regional Council introduced preventive measures, including moving kindergarten children to alternate buildings, carrying out gardening work and performing pest-control operations in the kindergartens. Parents were also urged to stay alert and check children for signs of illness after time spent in kindergartens, parks and other open areas.

Dr. Rachel Schatzman Stoierman, a pediatric infectious-diseases specialist at Meir Medical Center, said spotted fever is caused by a rickettsial bacterium and transmitted by ticks found on dogs, wild animals, birds and in vegetation. She said the incubation period is three to 14 days after a bite, most cases resolve without complications, but early diagnosis and treatment are important. She also stressed that the disease is not spread from person to person, and that a report on the cluster was sent to the Health Ministry. Officials said the illness is more common in spring and summer, and advised parents to seek medical care promptly if fever or rash appears after exposure to nature, public gardens or tall vegetation.