Deadly Diseases Unvaccinated: A Pregnant Mother’s Tragic Loss and the Importance of Immunization Protection

In the midst of an ongoing pertussis outbreak, a five-week-old baby passed away in Jerusalem. The tragedy highlights the importance of vaccination during pregnancy to protect young babies from serious diseases. The mother of the deceased baby was not vaccinated during her pregnancy, and the baby was too young to receive the vaccine.

This incident marks the third case of a baby dying from whooping cough since early 2023 in Israel. Pertussis is deadly for unvaccinated infants, with about one percent dying from the disease. It is crucial to vaccinate pregnant mothers between weeks 27 and 36 to increase antibody levels against pertussis in their blood, which then pass through the placenta to protect their unborn babies until they are ready for active vaccination at two months old.

Another serious disease, tetanus, affected a seven-year-old girl in Netanya who was not vaccinated. Tetanus is contracted through exposure to bacteria in soil and requires routine vaccination during early childhood along with pertussis. Booster shots are also recommended for continued protection against this severe disease that causes muscle spasms, paralysis, and even death. While treatment is available, prevention through vaccination is essential.

In addition to pertussis and tetanus, routine vaccinations in Israel include protection against diphtheria, polio, and HIB. The Ministry of Health also reported cases of West Nile fever and an increase in coronavirus cases across the country. Those at risk should take preventative measures such as avoiding mosquito bites and practicing caution in crowded areas to prevent illness. Vaccination remains a key tool in preventing serious diseases and protecting public health.

The tragic incident serves as a reminder that vaccinations are crucial for protecting our health and wellbeing. Pregnant women should prioritize getting vaccinated before giving birth to ensure their babies have adequate protection against life-threatening diseases such as pertussis and tetanus.

Moreover, it’s important for parents to follow routine immunization protocols as per healthcare providers’ recommendations as it ensures that children receive all necessary doses on time.

In conclusion, this unfortunate incident underscores the importance of vaccinations during pregnancy and following routine immunization protocols to protect both mothers and their newborns from serious diseases that can be fatal if left untreated or prevented through proactive measures like immunizations.