A 3-year-old boy died this morning (Saturday) at Ichilo Hospital, after being infected with a violent bacteria.
According to a hospital spokeswoman, this morning a 3-year-old toddler arrived at the emergency department at Dana Children's Hospital in a state of infectious shock and clinical suspicion of meningococcemia. Despite the team's efforts and attempts at resuscitation, the medical team was forced to declare him dead.
The announcement also stated: "It is important to note that there is a vaccine against meningococcus B, which is recommended by the Pediatricians' Association. We urge the public to vaccinate infants and toddlers and save lives.".
However, the vaccine is not included in the drug basket, and the Ministry of Health recommends getting vaccinated independently.
Channel 13 reported that during the week, another two-year-old toddler who arrived at Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva was hospitalized in serious condition and died about a day later - in what is now being revealed to be a suspected bacterial infection and another death caused by it.
The meningococcus is a bacterium found in the human body. The bacterium resides in the nose and throat of a significant portion of the population without causing any disease. In fact, up to 251% of children and 101% of adults carry the bacterium naturally. It is transmitted from person to person through respiratory secretions.
Most people who become infected with the bacteria become asymptomatic carriers, and only a small minority develop invasive disease - in exceptional cases even dangerous meningitis, or sepsis - a condition in which the bacteria are found in the bloodstream.
