Israel reports 152 new measles cases, total at 770

JERUSALEM, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Israel's Health Ministry reported 152 new measles cases on Thursday, raising the total to 770 since the outbreak began in early April.

The ministry estimates that 1,550 to 2,750 people may be infected, citing high hospitalization rates and community reports. Currently, 228 patients are actively diagnosed, including 24 hospitalized -- most under six years old. Two patients are in intensive care, one on ECMO support.

The outbreak has claimed the lives of two unvaccinated boys aged 18 months and two years.

In May, about a month after the outbreak started, the ministry launched a nationwide vaccination campaign. Since then, over 115,000 doses have been administered.

Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, typically causes fever, fatigue, runny nose, and a characteristic rash. Severe complications can occur, sometimes proving fatal.