Two cases of polio, in a 26-year-old woman and a baby, have been diagnosed in Israel this week.
Both are from the town of Or Akiva, near Caesarea.
The outbreak is reportedly the highest incidence of infantile paralysis to be found in one place within a short time in many years. Health Ministry sources said that one or two, but no more than four, cases of polio are still found in Israel each year.
Otherwise, the disease has been virtually wiped out in Israel as well as throughout the Western world.
The two polio victims are not related and were never in contact. The adult patient is an immigrant born abroad.
The Health Ministry has already begun vaccinations for all residents, workers and visitors to Or Akiva.
All children from birth up to age 18 are to be given oral vaccinations at special centers set up in schools, infant care clinics and community centers.
Adults between the ages of 18 and 40 will receive booster injection shots.
Or Akiva officials said the outbreak could probably be traced to a sewage farm some miles north of the town.
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