Public Health Emergency: 166 Children Hospitalized as "Super Flu" A/H3N2 Strain Rages in Israel

Spike in Hospitalizations and Deaths

Updated statistics released by the Ministry of Health on Wednesday confirm a worrying and continued increase in influenza morbidity across Israel. The rate of visits to medical clinics for flu-like symptoms has reached a high-activity level, a benchmark typically not recorded this early in the season in previous years.

The surge is having a serious impact on the country's youngest population. A total of 166 children diagnosed with influenza have been hospitalized, and eight infants and children are currently in intensive care units due to complications from the virus. Tragically, three children have died in recent days from complications related to the disease. Rambam Children’s Intensive Care Unit is currently fighting for the life of an eight-month-old infant connected to an ECMO machine, which takes over heart and lung function, with the child in critical condition.

Tests conducted at sentinel clinics, which monitor disease prevalence, showed that 51% of samples were positive for influenza, with the vast majority identified as the A/H3N2 subtype. This strain, often dubbed the "Super Flu," has gained global momentum, described by experts as particularly virulent, highly contagious, and causing serious complications, especially among children, many of whom are experiencing very high fevers and prolonged symptoms.

Calls for Masks and Global Parallels

In response to the escalating crisis, two senior Israeli doctors are calling for the immediate reintroduction of mask mandates for medical staff in hospitals and health centers.

Professor Galia Rahav, an infectious disease expert who was at the forefront of the previous pandemic response, acknowledged the unpopularity of the measure but stressed its necessity. "In a severe flu season like the current one, there is definitely a place to return to using masks," she told a news outlet, advising the public, "If you are elderly, if you are concerned about infection, if you are flying, wear a mask. Do not leave the house if you are sick, and if you do go out, wear a mask to avoid infecting others."

Professor Ilan Dalal, Chairman of the Pediatric Association, echoed the sentiment, recommending that all medical and nursing staff in hospitals and community clinics wear masks and urging the general public to get vaccinated and wear masks to prevent transmission.

These calls align with drastic steps taken abroad. Health system leaders in the UK, Canada, and Spain are bringing back mask recommendations and other measures last seen during the previous pandemic era due to the sharp rise in respiratory illnesses. In the UK, some schools have temporarily closed and choir singing has been canceled to limit spread, with the national health service preparing for a "winter tide" of illness.

The Virulent A/H3N2 Strain

The A/H3N2 strain has undergone a significant genetic change this year, potentially leading to lower natural immunity in the population than typically observed. Data shows that children are suffering disproportionately, with over 36% of five to 14-year-olds testing positive in the UK, a finding an epidemiologist noted is due to their lower exposure history and frequent contact.

In Canada, the health authority of West Quebec has mandated masks in hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health facilities until further notice. Spanish health authorities have also introduced a new prevention protocol, prioritizing mask use in high-risk areas like hospitals and nursing homes and encouraging remote work to mitigate overload on the healthcare system.