Israel is trying to contain a potential health epidemic emanating from a virulent bacterium. The Health Ministry
announced Wednesday that the bacterium was suspected of causing the death
of dozens of ailing Israelis in recent months, and that emergency measures had
been ordered to contain it. The main concern is that the bacterium might be
resistant to available antibiotics.
The crisis prompted calls for the government
to provide additional funding to deal with overcrowding and supply shortages in
Israel’s hospitals.
