An unusual wave of illness has been reported in recent days at several well-known shuls and yeshivos, primarily in Bnei Brak, Jerusalem and Modi’in Illit.

According to Kol Chai, the illnesses emerged following Rosh Hashanah tefillos, during which large numbers of people spent many hours in crowded conditions.

According to reports, symptoms include severe coughing, vomiting, cold symptoms, significant weakness, and other respiratory symptoms. Several public figures are among those who have fallen ill and are remaining at home because of their condition.

The Health Ministry is examining the reports and the extent of the illness. According to information received by the ministry, symptoms have also appeared among some of those who spent Rosh Hashanah in Uman. At this stage, no official assessment has been issued regarding the scale of the outbreak or its precise cause.

Meanwhile, family doctors are reporting an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with COVID and believe this may be the beginning of a seasonal wave. They said that because few official tests are being conducted, it is difficult to assess the true extent of illness among the public.

The reports come as the Health Ministry prepares for the approaching winter season. Yesterday, the ministry urged the public—particularly at-risk populations—to receive flu vaccinations early and not wait for infection rates to rise. Vaccines are available through health funds nationwide.

The Health Ministry has also distributed a winter-preparedness directive to hospitals and health funds, which will remain open for public comment until next week. The directive requires medical institutions to prepare for the anticipated increase in respiratory illnesses, with an emphasis on influenza, COVID and RSV.

Hospitals were instructed to prepare for increased patient loads by adding professional staff, separating patients with respiratory symptoms and using protective equipment when necessary. Health funds were instructed to expand the number of vaccination sites, promote public awareness among their members and prepare to extend operating hours and telemedicine services.

The Health Ministry said that a campaign began last week to distribute flu vaccines to approximately 400 locations nationwide, including geriatric institutions, assisted-living facilities and programs operated by the Welfare Ministry’s Disabilities Administration. The campaign is intended to make vaccines more accessible to at-risk populations. Tamiflu is also being distributed to geriatric institutions.

The directives also address COVID and pneumococcal vaccinations in accordance with medical indications, completing children’s routine immunizations and vaccinating healthcare workers against influenza.

Health officials are urging the public to act responsibly, particularly in crowded indoor spaces, and to avoid attending shuls, yeshivos and public places while actively ill, in order to reduce infections among mispallelim, students and at-risk populations.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)