A man in Bnei Brak was arrested on suspicion of impersonating a healthcare professional, spreading misinformation, and selling misleading medicinal products claimed to be a substitute for the measles vaccine, the Health Ministry announced in a statement.
The arrest is part of the Ministry’s effort to combat misinformation and the dispensing of false medical treatments by unqualified individuals.
The suspect is a 65-year-old Bnei Brak resident who was found to have “various oils in vials, suspicious powders, and empty capsules used to prepare and sell unauthorized products,” as well as medical documents for his "clients."
According to the statement, he sold various pills and drops, claiming them to be a defense against contracting measles or a cure for the disease.
Israel's measles outbreak
Israel is currently battling a measles outbreak, which has already claimed the lives of 12 children, most of whom were unvaccinated, otherwise healthy infants with no underlying health conditions, according to Health Ministry data.
The data showed that in 2025, 817 people were hospitalized; 22 were still hospitalized as of December 31.
"Measles is a dangerous and highly contagious disease that can lead to severe complications and even death – especially among unvaccinated children,” Dr. Sefi Mendelovich, the Deputy Director General of the Health Ministry, said. “While the healthcare system is dealing with a measles outbreak that has already claimed the lives of 12 children, the distribution of fake medicines and treatments by unqualified individuals poses a real danger to public health.”
“We will continue to act resolutely against these individuals as part of our responsibility to public health and the prevention of loss of life," Mendelovich added.