DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2026.31.30.2600600 ISSN: 1560-7917
Emergence of an echovirus 17 subtype causing a viral meningitis outbreak, Israel, 2025 to 2026
Neta S Zuckerman, Eyal Nadir, Rivka Rich, Eli Somekh, Mohamed Asi, Oshrat Ayalon, Orli Megged, Talya Finn, Or Kriger, Michal Paret, Efrat Dresner, Tatyana Ruderman, Erez S Garty, Hilla De-Leon, Rinat Vasserman, Leah Weiss, Reut Gabay, Ilana S Fratty, Yaniv Lustig, Danit Sofer, Merav WeilAn outbreak of enteroviral meningitis occurred in Israel between August 2025 and May 2026. Echovirus type 17 was identified in 72 hospitalised patients, most of them infants (n = 44). Many patients (n = 45) were from densely populated Haredi (strictly Orthodox) communities. Clinical course was mild. Phylogenetic analysis suggests extensive local transmission. Echovirus 17 infections declined abruptly following the implementation of community restrictions imposed during a military conflict. This outbreak highlights the value of routine molecular enterovirus surveillance.