The Israel Ministry of Health and the Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv District, report that a patient diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis was hospitalized in the underground hospitalization complex in the surgical area located under the gynecology and obstetrics wing at Sheba Hospital between March 17-22, 2026.
Immediately upon identification of the case at the hospital, the Ministry of Health began conducting an epidemiological investigation and directing the necessary steps to locate those exposed and prevent infection and morbidity. As part of the investigation, approximately 750 patients were identified, of whom approximately 300 were newborns and infants up to one year of age, as well as immunosuppressed patients. Approximately 1,900 employees and an unknown number of companions who visited during this period and stayed there for at least 8 hours were also exposed.
All those exposed will be treated in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines by the hospital and the Ministry of Health.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease transmitted through the air when a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis coughs or sneezes. The risk of infection exists mainly in situations of prolonged exposure to the patient for many hours (over 6–8 hours), and is not expected with brief contact.
In accordance with the Ministry of Health guidelines, patients and staff who have been exposed to the aforementioned patient will receive an orderly referral for investigation via a skin test (Mantoux test). If the test is positive, effective antibiotic prophylaxis will be given for several months to prevent the development of the disease.
Sensitive populations such as infants and toddlers up to the age of 3 and immunosuppressed patients will receive antibiotic treatment for four months without further investigation.
Visitors who spent more than 8 hours in the underground hospitalization complex at Sheba Hospital between March 17-22, 2026 are asked to contact the Health Voice hotline at *5400 for instructions.
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