What's happened
Israel reports a rise in influenza cases, with 513 new infections and four child deaths in three weeks. Most children who died were unvaccinated. Globally, flu activity is higher than usual, driven by a new influenza A(H3N2) sub-variant. Public health officials urge vaccination.
What's behind the headline?
The current flu season is marked by an early and significant rise in cases, driven by the A(H3N2) sub-variant, which can cause more severe illness. Israel's vaccination rate remains relatively low at 15.7%, despite increased efforts. The high number of unvaccinated children among the fatalities underscores the importance of immunization, especially for vulnerable groups. Globally, the trend of higher morbidity suggests the season will be more challenging than recent years, with the potential for severe outcomes in immunocompromised populations. The emergence of the K sub-variant indicates the virus is evolving, which may impact vaccine effectiveness. Public health authorities will need to monitor the situation closely and adapt strategies accordingly, including booster campaigns and targeted outreach to high-risk groups.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports a concerning rise in influenza cases in Israel, with four child deaths and a call for increased vaccination. AP News highlights that flu activity is high in some US states, with a notable mismatch between circulating strains and vaccine components, raising concerns about severity. The Independent emphasizes that last season was particularly severe, with record child deaths and the potential for this winter to be worse due to the dominant H3N2 strain. All sources agree on the importance of vaccination and the evolving nature of the virus, but differ in their focus—Israel's local outbreak versus the broader US and global context.
How we got here
Recent flu activity in Israel has increased, with reports of 513 new cases and four child deaths over three weeks. The rise coincides with global trends of higher-than-average morbidity, partly due to a new influenza A(H3N2) sub-variant. Vaccination efforts have intensified, with nearly 16% of Israelis vaccinated so far.
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Common question
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Why Are Flu Cases Rising in Israel Now?
Recent reports indicate a sharp increase in flu cases across Israel, with over 500 new infections and several child deaths in just three weeks. This surge is linked to a new influenza A(H3N2) strain, raising concerns about the severity of this flu season. Many are asking why the numbers are climbing now and what it means for public health. Below, we explore the reasons behind the rise, the dangers of the new strain, and what you can do to stay protected.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a national public health institute in the United States. It is a United States federal agency, under the Department of Health and Human Services, and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.