3-Year-Old Dies at Ichilov After Meningococcal Infection

A 3-year-old child died Saturday morning at Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital after contracting meningococcus. The toddler had been brought to the emergency department in critical condition, suffering from septic shock and a clinical suspicion of meningococcemia, a severe bloodstream infection caused by the meningococcus bacterium.

Despite prolonged efforts by medical teams and repeated resuscitation attempts, doctors were unable to save the child and pronounced him dead. The hospital said the case involved a fast-moving and dangerous infection.

Ichilov stressed that there is a vaccine against MenB meningococcus, recommended by the Pediatric Association, and urged parents to vaccinate infants and toddlers. In a statement, the hospital said, “It is important to note that there is a vaccine against MenB, which is recommended by the Pediatric Association. We call on the public to vaccinate infants and toddlers and save lives.”

The report also noted that earlier in the week, another toddler, about 2 years old, died at Soroka Hospital after allegedly suffering from the same dangerous bacterium. Meningococcus can cause meningitis and life-threatening bloodstream infection, and although it is relatively rare, it can deteriorate within hours, which is why health officials emphasize early recognition and vaccination.