
Seven IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon were infected with cave fever.
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The IDF Spokesperson's Office stated today (Wednesday): "All of the soldiers who were exposed received medical treatment in accordance with their condition and medical guidelines.".
Prof. Tal Brosh, director of the infectious diseases unit at Assuta Hospital in Ashdod, where one of the soldiers was hospitalized, explained to Kan News that cave fever, which is transmitted by tick bites, is common among cave enthusiasts and combat soldiers who carry out activities in the field.
""The tick bite is not painful and in most cases the person is unaware of it," he says.
""The disease manifests itself in high fever and headaches that appear intermittently every few days," says Prof. Brosh. "The fever episodes can be quite severe and without treatment - some patients may have complications that include penetration of the bacteria into the brain.
""The treatment for cave fever is with antibiotics, and according to the practice in the army, when a soldier is identified who has contracted the disease, all the soldiers who were in the same place with him are treated, out of concern for the proliferation of ticks that put many soldiers at risk.".
He said, "Prophylactic antibiotic treatment is very effective in preventing disease.".