Eight Children in Emek Hefer Develop Symptoms of Tick-Borne Spotted Fever

Eight children from a kindergarten in Haret Laet, in the Emek Hefer Regional Council, were treated at Meir and Hillel Yaffe hospitals over the past week after developing high fever, rash, pain and other symptoms consistent with spotted fever, a disease transmitted by tick bites. Three of the children have already been diagnosed with the illness, while test results are still pending for the other five.

At Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, two children were treated last week, discharged home, and are now under the supervision of the local health office. Two more children from the same kindergarten arrived there today and were also sent home. At Meir Medical Center, four children came in during the week with a clinical picture matching the disease; two were hospitalized for treatment and monitoring, and one of those cases has already tested positive. Laboratory results are still pending in the remaining cases.

Dr. Rachel Shatzman Shturman, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Meir, said spotted fever is carried by ticks found on dogs, wild animals, birds and vegetation across Israel. She said the incubation period is three to 14 days after a bite, and symptoms can include fever, headache, widespread rash, including on the palms and soles, fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, and sometimes nausea, vomiting, and joint and muscle pain.

Shatzman Shturman said most cases resolve without major complications, but the disease must be diagnosed and treated in time. She emphasized, "It is important to clarify that the disease is not transmitted from person to person." Because of the unusual cluster, the case was reported to the Health Ministry.