A four-year-old boy from northern Israel has died as a result of influenza, the Health Ministry reported late on Friday.
The child, who was generally healthy, arrived at the hospital undergoing resuscitation, and his death was declared shortly afterwards. He was not vaccinated against the flu.
This is the fifth report this year of a child who died of influenza complications, and the Ministry has stressed that influenza morbidity in Israel continues to rise.
Four of the five children who died of influenza complications were not vaccinated for flu.
The Ministry recommends that the entire population get vaccinated as soon as possible, and emphasizes that although the flu vaccine does not completely prevent illness, it reduces the severity in most cases. The vaccine is available free of charge at all HMOs.
As a precautionary measure, the Ministry of Health recommends that at-risk populations consider wearing masks in closed spaces and at gatherings. The Ministry also advises mask-wearing for medical staff and visitors in nursing homes and geriatric institutions.