Flu Cases Rise in Israel: 91 Hospitalized in One Week

A report from the Ministry of Health’s National Center for Disease Control, published Wednesday, indicates a rise in influenza cases in Israel. According to the data, 91 people were hospitalized with the flu over the past week, including 28 children and three pregnant women.

The data, covering October 18–24, 2026, show a continued increase in influenza activity, alongside a rise in clinic visits for respiratory illnesses. According to the report, 91 new flu-related hospitalizations were recorded across 14 general hospitals nationwide. Two patients, one adult and one child, required intensive care. Of those hospitalized, 90 tested positive for influenza type A and one for influenza type B.

So far this season, 452 hospitalized patients have tested positive for influenza, including 347 adults, 100 children, and five pregnant women. In addition, 19 deaths were reported within 30 days of a confirmed influenza infection. Of those who died, 18 were aged 65 or older, while one was between the ages of 50 and 64.

The Ministry of Health emphasized that it is not known whether influenza was the primary cause of death in these cases, meaning it cannot be concluded that all 19 deaths were caused by the virus.

Alongside the rise in flu cases, the report highlights low vaccination rates ahead of winter. As of October 25, 2026, a total of 654,767 health fund members had received the seasonal flu vaccine, representing just 6.6% of all members.