The Ministry of Health is reporting a confirmed case of Measles in a passenger who flew from Newark to Ben Gurion Airport. According to an epidemiological investigation conducted by the Jerusalem District Health Bureau, the passenger was on El Al flight LY026, departing Newark on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. local time and landing at Ben Gurion Airport on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 9:15 p.m.
Passengers who were on this flight are asked to make sure they are vaccinated according to Ministry of Health guidelines.
The Ministry of Health recommends that pregnant women who have not received two doses of the measles vaccine, people with weakened immune systems, and infants under one year of age who were on this flight contact their local health bureau to consider receiving passive immunization against measles.
The Ministry urges anyone who does not feel well and/or is experiencing the symptoms listed below not to attend large events and risk exposing family members and close contacts.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that anyone who was in contact with a measles patient must continue testing and vaccination as instructed by the Ministry of Health and avoid going to public places.
If you need to visit a clinic or emergency room, please call ahead and inform the medical staff upon arrival.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, general discomfort, runny nose, and a rash, and can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications.
The Ministry stresses the importance of staying up to date on routine vaccinations against diseases such as measles, some of which can cause severe complications and death.
To check your vaccination status or schedule a vaccination appointment, contact your health plan or call the Health Voice hotline at *5400. The hotline operates Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and on Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.