Cases of Legionnaires Disease have been reported in Israel. Dr. Eitan Rubinstein, head of the infectious disease department at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer, said in a radio interview today that a woman tourist from Argentina has died of the viral disease. Four Israelis also reportedly came down with the disease but recovered. Rubinstein said the woman, who came to Israel after visiting Spain and France, was first thought to have pneumonia, but it is now certain that she had Legionnaires Disease.
Top Israeli medical experts stressed today that there is no danger of the malady becoming an epidemic in Israel. They said the only confirmed case of Legionnaires Disease was the Argentine tourist. The other cases are only suspected. In any event, the disease is curable, the doctors said. The disease got its name when 29 persons attending an American Legion convention in Philadelphia three years ago died after coming down with an illness that no one could pinpoint immediately.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
