A measles outbreak was reported in Israel between April 7, 2025, and February 28, 2026, with a total of 3,203 cases and 16 deaths. MMR vaccination coverage was low, particularly in ultra-Orthodox communities. Genomic analysis identified genotype B3, related to strains from Pakistan, and traced three likely imports from Belgium, Vietnam, and Russia.
Most cases were concentrated in areas with low vaccination coverage. Transmission was observed across multiple regions of Israel, including Jerusalem, the Central District, and the Northern District. Sequences from fatal cases clustered within the main outbreak cluster, suggesting the virus was typical of the circulating strain. The positivity rate of samples increased as transmission became established, subsequently decreasing as the outbreak spread to new districts.
