Skin disease in Shizafon: 65 soldiers released to their homes
Infectious disease spreads through southern military base: 119 soldiers report itchy skin; Dozens are sent home, others required to remain at base; IDF: 'Samples were flown to Tel Hashomer Hospital to identify the source.'
A contagious skin disease caused by infection spread over the past 24 hours at the southern Shizafon military base in the south of Israel.
Dozens of soldiers were sent to their homes Wednesday morning and others were required to remain in the military base for fear that they would spread the disease.
Teams from the Medical Corps, accompanied by external teams, arrived at the base to decide how to deal with the issue.
So far, 119 soldiers have been examined, and about 65 soldiers have been released. All the soldiers who reported the infection are currently resting at the base until they receive the results from the laboratory.
Shizafon is where the training of the armored corps takes place, the completion of the officers' training course and the training of combat supporters.
The IDF Spokesperson's Office said in response that "in light of complaints by soldiers at the Shizafon base regarding skin irritations, extensive examinations were conducted by a team of dermatologists who arrived at the base.
"Samples from the soldiers were flown to Tel Hashomer Hospital to identify the source of the infection. The soldiers are undergoing medical examinations and will receive a full medical response. At the base, information campaigns are taking place to prevent contagion."
