Wave of diarrhea and vomiting among children: 'Even parents are getting infected'

Pediatricians in Israel are reporting a sharp increase in intestinal infections among children at the end of summer and the start of the school year. Doctors report dozens of cases of diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, mostly of viral origin. Specialists note that the infection is affecting entire families, including parents, and call for enhanced hygiene in kindergartens and for sick children to stay home for at least 72 hours.

Pediatricians in Israel are reporting a sharp increase in intestinal infections among children at the end of summer and the start of the school year. Doctors are recording dozens of cases of diarrhea, vomiting, and high fever, mostly of viral origin. Dr. Adi Weiss-Pink from the Clalit health maintenance organization notes that about 70% of her current consultations are related to these symptoms, and that the scale is "incredible" — even parents are getting infected. The doctor emphasizes that the timing of the outbreak is atypical: usually in September, respiratory viruses are expected, not intestinal diseases. Dr. Raheli Holzberg from Clalit also observes a similar trend, seeing up to ten children a day with diarrhea. She identified two cases of bacterial infection (shigellosis), but the majority of cases remain viral. Doctors recommend keeping children home for at least 72 hours from the onset of symptoms to prevent mass infection in kindergartens. They also stress the importance of hygiene, especially when changing diapers, and adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration. The article is based on interviews with two doctors and includes quotes from parents.