Molluscum Contagiosum Epidemic Spreads Among Hundreds of Israeli Children This Summer

An outbreak of molluscum contagiosum, a contagious viral skin disease, is affecting hundreds to thousands of children aged two to six across Israel this summer. The illness manifests as small, itchy skin bumps that can appear months after infection and often spread through direct contact or shared items like towels. The summer swimming season, with communal baths and pools, has contributed to the rise in cases.

Parents have reported multiple children in kindergartens developing the bumps, which sometimes become inflamed and infected. One father described his six-year-old daughter’s experience, noting the stress caused by the persistent itching and secondary infections. Medical experts at Wolfson Medical Center confirm that daily they see at least six children with molluscum, but estimate many more cases go unreported.

Dr. Yitzhak Konfino, head of pediatric dermatology at Wolfson, explained that the bumps typically appear on covered body areas such as armpits, waist, limbs, neck, and face. The itching leads to scratching, which can cause wounds and secondary bacterial infections, especially in children with sensitive skin or eczema. The virus spreads mainly through direct skin contact, not airborne transmission, making shared bathing a significant risk factor.

While the condition often resolves on its own, treatment is advised when there are many lesions, severe itching, secondary infections, or risk of spreading within families. Recently, Wolfson began using a topical treatment called Cantharidin, approved by the FDA three years ago and used in North America. This painless application causes small blisters that dry and peel off the bumps within days, offering a less invasive alternative to older methods like liquid nitrogen freezing.

Health officials urge parents to be vigilant during the summer months and seek medical advice if children develop suspicious skin bumps to prevent further spread of this highly contagious viral infection.