Shocking COVID Surge in Israel: Public Ignores Deadly New Variants
Health experts in Israel warn of a growing COVID-19 wave with new variants, met with public apathy and alarmingly low vaccination rates, straining the healthcare system. The article highlights symptoms, treatment options, and urgent calls for targeted vaccinations amid ongoing challenges.
Israel is experiencing a significant resurgence of COVID-19 cases, driven by new variants dubbed “Nimbus” (NB.1.8.1) and “Stratus” (XFG), yet the public response remains strikingly indifferent, according to health experts. Prof. Tal Brosh, head of the Infectious Diseases Unit at Asuta Ashdod Public Hospital and a key figure in the Health Ministry’s pandemic task force, warns, “There are hospitalizations, severe cases, and a heavy burden on the healthcare system, yet there’s almost complete disregard from the public.” He describes the variants as more contagious but not inherently more dangerous than previous strains, dismissing their catchy nicknames like “Harry Potter’s broom” as a distraction from the real issue.
Dr. Yossi Ben Michael, an ENT specialist at Clalit’s Ramz Clinic in Rehovot, highlights that the Stratus variant, monitored by the World Health Organization and poised to dominate in the U.S., primarily causes hoarseness. He advises symptomatic relief with lozenges like Strepsils or Klal-Garon, and omeprazole (20 mg) for acid reflux, alongside vocal rest and warm fluids. “If swallowing or breathing becomes difficult, seek a doctor immediately; otherwise, wait up to two weeks, consulting a physician if no improvement occurs,” he suggests. Prof. Brosh notes that symptoms like sore throat, voice loss, or coughing are common across variants, making differentiation challenging without testing.
The situation is dire, with Asuta Ashdod seeing three new COVID cases daily, and larger hospitals reporting even higher numbers. Brosh cites alarming stats: “In the past year, 1,800 adults were hospitalized with COVID, 74 required intensive care, and 276 died within 30 days, mostly pre-existing conditions worsened by the virus. It’s tragic that we let this persist without action.” Vaccination rates have crashed to under 1% in Israel, compared to 70% in Scandinavia and over 40% in the U.S., a stark fall from its early global leadership. Brosh attributes this to backlash from the 2021 campaign, pandemic fatigue, and war distractions since October 7, 2023, urging annual shots for those over 65 or with comorbidities. For younger, healthy individuals, vaccination is optional but reduces spread, while Paxlovid offers hope for at-risk patients, with 275 packs distributed recently.